Scotland head coach Frank Hadden believes the current uncertainty over the three professional teams north of the border can act as an incentive for players. On Friday, the Scottish Rugby Union confirmed one of Scotland's three professional teams will fold unless external investment is forthcoming.

The future of at least one of Edinburgh Gunners, Glasgow Warriors and Border Reivers is in doubt after SRU chief executive Gordon McKie announced swingeing cuts to stem a £23million debt. However, the Scotland boss is convinced the players will rise to the challenge of proving themselves in the face of adversity.

Hadden said: "People say the players' heads will be down about the possibility of losing their jobs. But, in fact, they will be looking for an opportunity to make sure they are kept on.

"The thing about professionalism is players know, every time they step on the pitch, their job is on the line. This is not hugely new territory for Scottish rugby players. We have been here before. I was involved when four teams became two in 1998."

Hadden insisted the move will not be detrimental to the World Cup campaign in France next year.

"Ideally, we don't want our best players to be based outside Scotland. But the bottom line is we just have to deal with the situation which is in front of us, and we are actually quite good at that in Scotland - battling in adversity."

The former Edinburgh head coach has announced a combined 54-man squad for training ahead of the tour to South Africa and the Scotland A trip to Canada in the Churchill Cup.

Welsh international and Cardiff Blues openside flanker Martyn Williams (31) has turned down an approach from French championship side, Perpignan.