Jamie Dobie envisions a ‘massive campaign’ to strengthen Scotland’s position

Jamie Dobie says the Autumn Nations Series is a ‘massive campaign’ on a personal level as he looks to cement his place in the Scotland squad.

The Glasgow Warrior has been selected as one of four scrum halves in the squad alongside George Horne, Ben White and Ali Price, but has played much of his recent rugby for club and country on the wing.

Price’s departure from Warriors to Edinburgh last season opened the door for Dobie, 23, to get more game time, and he played in all four Tests of Scotland’s summer tour of America.

“I think it’s a huge season and season,” Dobie said.

“I got my first cap from this series three years ago and had to wait almost two years for my second cap.

“I missed the World Cup squad but I think it was a great opportunity for me to get back on the summer tour. I ended up being involved in all four games there so that was huge for me personally.

“The start to the season for Glasgow has been relatively positive so I’m happy with where my rugby is and the direction it’s going.

“Hopefully this will be a big few weeks where we can really carve out a place in the team and be involved in as many games as possible.”

Dobie sees himself primarily as a scrum-half but says he is keen to play his role on the wing if it increases his chances of being involved against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal and Australia in the coming weeks.

“I’m absolutely happy to be playing in both positions now and the most important thing is of course that I’m involved,” he said.

“So whether that’s at scrum half or wing, that would be the biggest advantage.

“I still see myself playing mainly as a scrum half and having the added benefit of being able to cover the wing.

“Obviously on the summer tour the two starts I got were on the wing. So I can only see that as an advantage for me because I was able to take those positions and obviously over the last few years with Franco (Smith) who the 6-2 (bench) and especially with that I spent a lot of time on the wing.

“So I feel more than comfortable with that and I’m happy that the coaches have the confidence that I can play too.”