COT ON THE HOP

Steyn on his dash to labour ward, the joys of being new dad and getting a night's kip!

- GRAEME MACPHERSON

KYLE STEYN'S perfect weekend would have seen him become a dad on the Friday night before lining up for Scotland against France the next day with an extra spring in his step.

Life though is rarely that straightforward, especially when it comes to childbirth. As any parent knows, that's an experience that tends to be as punctual and reliable as the trains in this country.

Babies usually come out only when they're ready as Steyn would soon discover for himself.

When the call came from wife Ally on Friday evening that she'd gone into labour, the winger told head coach Gregor Townsend and team doctor James Robson that he was heading to the hospital.

Steyn had been named in the team to take on the French and planned on making sure he was back on time.

But when it became apparent that the baby was in no rush to appear, the Glasgow captain was told just to stay with his pregnant wife and forget about the game.

A late line-up rejig saw Harry Paterson come in for his debut and Kyle Rowe switch to the wing, with an anxious Steyn watching at home awaiting developments.

It took until the Monday before Arabella Rose finally put in an appearance after an epic four days of labour.

Thankfully all is well, with the newborn being fussed over by mum and granny, allowing Steyn to return to camp to catch up on sleep ahead of the England game.