WORCESTER Rugby Club centre Ben Hinshelwood has been ruled out of Scotland's match against the Barbarians and the two-game tour of South Africa.

The 26-year-old had hoped to prove his fitness to Scotland coach Ian McGeechan after fracturing his leg against Otley in January.

Hinshelwood had impressed during the Autumn Test series but, after meeting with the squad for a training session, was ruled out. However, he remains upbeat about his fitness.

"I could play now, I feel fit," he said. "That's not my decision, though, and the coach feels I'm not fit enough to play international rugby at present.

"I'm back at Worcester today so it's a case of working hard and preparing for the World Cup which is months away yet. It's a bit disappointing not to be involved in these matches but I'm happy with the way the fitness is coming on."

Meanwhile, National One champions Rotherham have been given the green light for promotion to the Premiership.

A statement from the Rugby Football Union read: "The Board of England Rugby Ltd has confirmed today that it has unanimously agreed that Rotherham rugby club has fully met the entry criteria and is therefore promoted to the Zurich Premiership for 2003-04.

"The ERL board wishes to congratulate Rotherham and wishes the club a successful campaign next season."

Rotherham must wait for the results of an RFU independent inquiry into alleged financial misconduct before promotion is rubber-stamped.