Colton, who played a pivotal role in the Dons' superb promotion-winning campaign, was enjoying a well earned holiday in Spain when he received the shock call-up.

The 25-year-old, who qualifies for Scotland through his Fife-born mother, said: "I found out when I was in Benidorm.

"I got a phone call from Steve McCormack (Scotland coach) asking would I be available to play - and of course I said yes.

"When I found out I was shocked - I couldn't believe it because I wasn't in the original 40-man squad.

"But I'm delighted because it's what you dream about when you're a kid starting out in the game."

He added: "It's topped off a great season.

"I'm not guaranteed to get a game but I'm just going to train hard and try to prove a point."

Following the withdrawal of Wigan's Mark Calderwood, who was instead selected for England, national coach McCormack opted to hand Colton a seat on the plane to Australia.

Now the former Don Valley pupil will travel out with the rest of Scotland's 24-man party on Tuesday ahead of their opening game against France on October 26.

• Former Thornensians RU youngster Scott Grix is preparing for the biggest thrill of his career after being named in Ireland's World Cup squad.

Doncaster-born Super League star Grix, who plays for Wakefield Wildcats, was brought up in Dunscroft and started playing rugby for Thornensians' mini-rugby section.

The full back said: "Playing in my first Super League season has been brilliant - but playing in the World Cup will definitely be the highlight of my career."

He was introduced to the sport by father Wayne, the former captain of the Coulman Road club, and started playing league when he moved to live in Halifax.

After starting his career at Halifax, 24-year-old Scott returned to Doncaster for a loan spell in 2003 before moving on to Leigh, Widnes and Wakefield.

A double celebration for the Grix family was ruled out when Scott's younger brother Simon, who plays loose forward for Warrington Wolves,
was forced out of the Ireland squad with a shoulder injury.