ROSS Beattie, the Newport Gwent Dragons back row forward, has been called up to play for Scotland in their final pre-World Cup friendly against Ireland at Murrayfield tomorrow.

Beattie (pictured) replaces Jason White (shoulder injury) at blind side flanker.

Beattie, who played for the Dragons against Harlequins last week, was originally called in for Scotland earlier in the week when skipper Scott Murray pulled out after injuring a knee against Wales.

Now he gets his first international start after being capped as a replacement against Italy and England last season.

"This shows there is a lot of credibility to our signing of Ross, so that's good," said Dragons coach Mike Ruddock, unconcerned if Beattie make the Scottish World Cup squad.

Newport Gwent Dragons play their first Celtic League match tomorrow night when they face Llanelli Scarlets at Stradey Park, Ruddock saying they have no fears.

"We've done as much as we can and we're very positive," he said. "There is no baggage, this is a new team so we've never lost there and there are no fears. We're going there to get a result."

Martyn Hazell, the sole director of Gwent Rugby Limited, has now sent a solicitor's letter to the Welsh Rugby Union insisting on the legality of the name change.

"Since the resignation of Marcus Russell I am the sole director of the company and I have received firm legal advice under the Articles of Association that I am responsible for the day to day running of the Dragons," said Hazell.

"I am saying that the title is Newport Gwent Dragons and the WRU have had a letter from my solicitors explaining the decision.

"But it remains a Gwent entity," he added, a point stressed by Ruddock, who has held meetings with other Gwent coaches and referees and takes daily charge of the team from their Cwmbran base.

That means the extra WRU funding as a regional entity should be safe, though attempts have been made by the governing body to cut it. They have proved unsuccessful.