However Scotland are still optimistic of seeing Shingler, who was named in Andy Robinson’s Six Nations squad, make his international bow for them.

An SRU statement read: “We remain fully supportive of the player and his sincere desire to represent Scotland and we intend to refer this matter to the IRB's Regulations Committee in order that it can consider the case formally in accordance with IRB Regulation 2.”

The issue for Shingler is that Wales consider their Under-20s side to be their next senior team, as do the French, meaning that by playing in the 29-22 defeat last season, Shingler tied himself to Wales.

“The IRB has reiterated to both Unions that during 2011 both Wales and France officially designated their Under 20 team to be the next senior national team,” an IRB statement said.

“As the IRB has been advised that Shingler represented Wales Under 20 against France Under 20 in 2011 it would therefore indicate that he is tied to Wales and ineligible to play for any other Union.”