Scotland’s Head Coach Gregor Townsend Poised to Retain Key Players for Summer Tour
Despite the long season and the opportunity for rest, Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is set to resist the temptation to leave out star players Duhan van der Merwe and Sione Tuipulotu when he announces his squad for the upcoming summer tour on Wednesday.
The pair are first-choice backs for Townsend when fit, but after a grueling campaign that began last year ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, they have played a considerable amount of rugby in the past 12 months. Scotland’s July fixtures are against Canada, USA, Chile, and Uruguay.
“While Townsend is expected to name a youthful touring party for these matches, Mail Sport understands that van der Merwe and Tuipulotu will both be included to provide much-needed experience. Although they may not feature in all the games in North and South America, their inclusion is somewhat surprising given Scotland’s opponents are not leading rugby union nations, and they may have benefited from a summer break ahead of the 2024/25 season.”
Townsend also faces a significant decision regarding fly-half Finn Russell, who captained Scotland in the Six Nations and only returned for the business end of the Gallagher Premiership season with his club Bath after recovering from a groin injury. Russell was part of the Bath side beaten by Northampton in last weekend’s Premiership final, and it is understood that Scotland are leaning towards giving him the summer off.
Another player set to receive his first senior call-up from Townsend is Sale scrum-half Gus Warr, who was born in Manchester and therefore eligible for England. However, Warr has opted to represent Scotland at the senior level after wearing the blue shirt in age-grade rugby.
Townsend’s Squad to Have Youthful Feel
Townsend’s squad is expected to have a youthful feel, with young hookers Paddy Harrison and Gregor Hiddleston likely to be included as Scotland look to the next generation with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia in mind.
Meanwhile, Scotland’s first-choice hooker George Turner has confirmed his move to Japanese side Kobelco Kobe Steelers, raising doubts over his international future. Turner, who has become a mainstay of Townsend’s starting XV, revealed that playing at the 2019 World Cup in Japan had fueled his desire to move to the Far East.
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