Scots want WP centre on permanent basis

Cape Town - The Scots are eager to see Stormers and Western Province centre Huw Jones play his rugby there on a permanent basis.

In Junes this year, the 22-year-old made his Test debut for Scotland when he came on as a replacement against Japan in Tokyo.

He started in last weekend’s 23-22 loss to Australia in Edinburgh and impressed by scoring two tries.

The Edinburgh-born Jones was one of Western Province’s stars in this year’s Currie Cup and remains contracted to the union until October 2017.

But according to BBC Sport, Scottish Rugby has enquired about bringing Jones to Edinburgh or Glasgow Warriors.

WP Rugby is in dire financial straits recently obtained a court order for the provisional liquidation of its commercial arm.

While WP president Thelo Wakefield is adamant that players’ salaries will be paid, he has remained mum on where the money will be obtained.

Enquiries have been made regarding a possible transfer fee, paid by Scottish Rugby to WP to negotiate the early release of Jones, but the Cape franchise is believed to be resistant to this route.

Jones’ agent reportedly told BBC Scotland his client is "very happy" in South Africa while Scottish Rugby declined to comment.

Jones will play Super Rugby for the Stormers next year, but could miss a substantial amount as he is expected to be called into Scotland's Six Nations squad.

Under World Rugby Regulation 9, clubs must release selected players during international windows.