But any hopes the Glasgow Warriors hooker had of adding to his eight caps in this year’s World Cup were ended with surgery on his shoulder, forcing him out of Scotland’s training squad.

And although no player has been called up in his place so far, there is no doubting that Thomson’s dream is over with him likely to be on the sidelines for six months.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: “As we are at the end of the season Fergus has been seen by specialist surgeon Julie McBirnie at Spire Shawfair Park Hospital in Edinburgh.

“He required three separate components in his shoulder to be repaired and, as a result, will not be able to participate in our Rugby World Cup training squad and has been ruled out of consideration for the tournament itself.”

Thomson added: “I’m gutted at missing out on the chance to compete at the World Cup.

“My focus will be on working hard with the Glasgow physios on my rehab so that I can be back challenging for a place with the Warriors as soon as possible.”