Lamont brothers loving Scotland recalls

The back three duo had been overlooked in recent matches thanks in no small part to the emergence of fellow siblings Max and Thom Evans of Glasgow.

But the roles have been reversed this time around, with former Edinburgh and now Scotland coach Andy Robinson picking both Rory and Sean for the first international of a three-match autumn series.

Sean returned to the Magners League this summer following a four-year spell in England with Northampton Saints and the move back to Celtic rugby has coincided with a change in fortunes in terms of national selection.

But while the likes of newly-appointed Scotland captain Chris Cusiter not only moved back to the Magners League but also to a Scottish region, Lamont reacquainted himself with the league but chose to continue playing his rugby outside his home country.

And while Sean now plys his trade in Wales with the Scarlets, the 28-year-old knows that being involved in the Magners League means he will still get watched by selectors on a regular basis, even if he is few miles further down the road than Edinburgh or Glasgow.

"To get the call with the amount of talent that Scotland has in the back three, I'm very surprised, but very happy," said Sean.

"Obviously, you're a bit further away from the selectors' eyes, but if you're doing what you're meant to do and you're playing well then there's no reason why the selectors shouldn't be looking at you."

And Sean has been doing just that during his short time in West Wales. His all round play and commitment to the cause have not gone un-noticed by Robinson and co, although Sean himself admits that it hasn't always been seen that way.

"Andy highlighted, using video clips of me, that I wasn't hitting contact as hard as I should have been.

"Initially, I was absolutely raging. But, looking back, I realise it was completely the right decision.

"Whatever a player needs is what is said to them. It's not just a generic comment. He knows exactly what he wants.

"He is very intense and he'll tell you what he wants. You know where you stand with him."

When it comes to pastures new and another chance to impress on the international scene, it's a similar situation for younger brother Rory who, like Sean, left an English club side last season.

Unlike Sean, however, Rory chose to depart Sale Sharks for French outfit Toulon - a decision he says he is not regretting.

"I've gone out there for a different life experience," said Rory, after a horrendous run of injuries blighted his time at Sale.

"I know that your career can be cut at any point and I just wanted to take the opportunity to experience France while it was there for me.

"I've had eight operations in six years, so I'm pretty used to coming back from that feeling of rehab. But you quickly put it behind you and just focus on what you have to do to get back to your best.

"I'm back playing and just looking forward to being back on the pitch again - it's been too long."