Whilst Scotland head coach Frank Hadden takes his senior squad on tour against South Africa, Bates aims to select some of Scotland’s emerging players and offer them the chance to make their mark in North America. And for Bates this is all about offering opportunities.

“This has to be a fantastic opportunity for some of our players to step up to the mark and impress. The Churchill Cup is seen by many countries as the ideal tournament to bring on some of their younger players and give them the chance to show what they can offer for the future and this is how we will approach it too.

“We certainly wont be going there expecting it to be easy - far from it. We know England A and the New Zealand Maori, who have both won the tournament in the past, will take very strong squads and will provide formidable opposition.

“But we will have our own set of objectives and I believe Scotland A’s participation will offer us invaluable experience which will be used as a development tool by all concerned.”

Scotland head coach, Frank Hadden, added   “June will be a very busy month for us, with the senior team competing in South Africa, the Under 21s in France and the re-establishment of Scotland A in North America. Under Steve’s leadership I’m sure the Churchill Cup can offer our young players a chance to impress. “

This will be the fourth Churchill Cup, established by a rugby alliance of Canada, the United States and England. What makes the 2006 tournament stand out, is its expansion from four to six nations, with the involvement of Scotland A and Ireland A for the first time.