CARMARTHENSHIRE man Javan Sebastian says he is honoured to be named in Scotland’s national squad for the forthcoming summer series of matches.

The 26-year-old Scarlets forward has been named in the 37-man Scotland squad ahead of Test matches against England A, Romania and Georgia.

The tight-head prop, born in Carmarthen, said he was delighted to hear that he had been named by Scotland's interim head coach Mike Blair on Tuesday.

“I am over the moon, I wasn’t expecting it all and I am obviously really chuffed to have the call, it’s a proud moment for the family,” he said.

“My grandfather came over from Belize and my dad was born and raised in Edinburgh.

"I had a year with Glasgow Warriors in 2016, but never thought that I’d have the chance to play for Scotland.

"It is a massive honour and achievement for me and as my dad it is Scottish it is close to my heart."

Sebastian came through the Scarlets pathway, playing for the Academy, Wales U18s and Carmarthen Quins in the Welsh Premiership before earning his place in the Scarlets squad.

Now in his second spell at Parc y Scarlets, he has played 18 matches this season and 38 in all since making his debut in 2014.

He recently committed himself to the club by signing a new contract.

‘This season, coming back after lockdown, I was just looking to work hard and try to get a run of games here," he said.

"I have done a lot of work with Ben Franks and Glax (Glenn Delaney), they have helped me and pushed me as much as I can be pushed.

"It has been a case of small steps and the reward has come.

“I have been in contact with the Scottish management, and they are looking to push me on as a player and help improve me.

"I am really looking forward to linking up with the squad.”

The 37-man squad will meet 12 days prior to the England A away game on 27 June.

A smaller pool will then travel to face Romania and Georgia on 10 and 17 July respectively.

Assistant Mike Blair takes interim charge, with head coach Gregor Townsend part of the British and Irish Lions' staff for the tour of South Africa.

Eight Scotland players are also unavailable because of Lions duty.

Edinburgh's Jamie Ritchie - one of six players in the squad with more than 20 caps - will captain the Scotland team.

Blair said: "I'm really happy with the squad we've managed to put together.

"We're really excited by the amount of young players coming through. To get eight players on the Lions tour is fantastic and they've thoroughly deserved that.

"The knock-on effect is we get the chance to look at the players below them at the moment and get them pushing for places.

"So when the Lions come back there's real competition going again."