England lock Tom Palmer says he has "no regrets" over his decision not to pursue an international career with Scotland.
England second row never considered playing for Scotland
England lock Tom Palmer says he has "no regrets" over his decision not to pursue an international career with Scotland.
The 31-year-old was born in London to English parents but went to Boroughmuir High School in Edinburgh and played for Scotland Under-19s and Under-21s.
However, a decade ago he declared his senior international allegiance to England and now is a firm fixture in Martin Johnson's second row, where he should once again pack down when Scotland visit Twickenham on Sunday.
Palmer has not always been a Test regular, with five years passing between his first and second cap and having still only made 23 appearances for England.
But even when he was being overlooked, the Stade Francais player says there was never a point when he wished he had played for Scotland.
"It was a decision I made a long time ago and I am very pleased with it. I am looking forward to the game at the weekend and playing for England," Palmer said.
Problems
"If I had gone down the Scottish route there would have been lots of legalities because I was born in England and have English parents.
"I went to school up there. It would have been a residency issue. It might not ever have happened.
"I did not explore it and I have no regrets over that. I always had faith in my own ability, faith I would get in and establish myself and play regularly for England.
"While at times I did have frustrations, I never wished I had made any other decision."
Scotland are yet to win in this year's Six Nations while England are chasing a Grand Slam, but team manager Johnson insists the visitors will be dangerous opposition
Johnson said: "For Scotland to come to Twickenham and win would be a big result for them.
"It is an easy game for them in a way because everyone is talking about us. They will be desperate to get a win, desperate to win at Twickenham and beat England.
"They will be dangerous and we need to get ourselves at the right level. It would be a big result for us if we can win."
