Scotland A claimed the IRB Nations Cup after defeating France A 22-12 in Bucharest.

Richard Vernon scored the only try of the game nine minutes from the end to seal an absorbing final match of the tournament.

Scotland were never behind in the match after fly-half Ruaridh Jackson opened the scoring with a third-minute penalty, but the French remained in touch thanks to the boot of Fabrice Estebanez.

Estebanez kicked three penalties and with 10 minutes to go his side were threatening to steal the game away from the Scots as they trailed by just 15-12.

But their hopes were effectively ended when Scotland number eight Vernon crossed the whitewash after 71 minutes, before Jackson converted.

Jackson finished with 17 points after also landing five penalties.

Scotland A finished the tournament at the top of the table after winning all three of their matches, scoring 13 tries and conceding just one in the process.

France A finished third in the table, behind Italy A, after suffering their first defeat.