White, 29, has been out of action since undergoing a knee operation in November, after sustaining major ligament damage in the autumn Test against Romania.

But the Sale Sharks back-row forward, who was captain of his country when injury struck, is stepping up his training and expects to be fully fit to face Ireland on August 11.

Providing he comes through that Murrayfield match, and the home clash with South Africa a fortnight later, White will be on his way to the World Cup with head coach Frank Haddens side.

White said: Fitness is going well. Im running, even doing changes of direction, which is good considering its only five months since I underwent reconstructive surgery on my right knee.

At present Ive got the chance to focus on improving my agility and changing direction at speed.

When youre out injured for a prolonged period you do re-examine your game a wee bit. I suppose folk reckon my game is quite confrontational - its about the power battle - but this situation gives me the chance to add something different to my repertoire.

At the moment its full steam ahead and Im targeting being back available for Franks selection for our Bank of Scotland Corporate August Test against Ireland.

He added: To challenge yourself against the best in the world is a massive motivation and having been fortunate enough to play in the last World Cup in Australia, it goes without saying that Im determined to savour the competition once more.

Meanwhile the Scottish Rugby Union have revealed details of a partnership with Leeds Metropolitan University.

An elite Exiles academy will be founded at the universitys Headingley campus, with the best available facilities on hand.

Hadden, a former student at the Yorkshire university, said: We know that there are thousands of Scottish-qualified players in England and we value the enormous contribution Scottish Exiles have made to Scottish Rugby over the years.

I welcome this partnership as it will enable young Scottish Exiles players to access high quality coaching and have a support network in place that will give them every chance of realising their full potential.