Union | Scottish Rugby Union | ||
---|---|---|---|
Emblem(s) | The Thistle | ||
Founded | 2024 | ||
Location | Scotland | ||
Coach(es) | Gregor Townsend | ||
Captain(s) | Liam McConnell | ||
Top scorer | Ollie Blyth-Laffery (5pts) | ||
Most tries | Ollie Blyth-Laffery (1 try) | ||
| |||
First international | |||
Emerging Scotland 7 – 24 Italy U23 (2024) | |||
Largest defeat | |||
Emerging Scotland 7 – 24 Italy U23 (2024) |
Emerging Scotland is a Scottish international rugby union team that represents Scotland in selected matches, tours and competitions. Composed of Scotland qualified players only, mostly uncapped or at the beginning of their careers, it forms part of the development pathway to the senior Scotland team. It is not to be confused with the Scotland 'A', the national 'A' team which competes and is a level below the national side but with no age restrictions, nor with the Scotland U-20s with strict age limits that competes in the Under-20 Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.
The Emerging Scotland side was part of the National Academy pilot programme which was launched in September 2024 to add increased value to the development of a selected group of promising players. It is part of the Scottish Rugby Male Performance Pathway.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said: “This fixture enables us to bring our best young players together, have a week of training with national team coaches, and take on a quality international side.
“Similar fixtures that will look to expose emerging talented Scottish players to high level competition will aim to be included going forward. Probably the most important element of a young player’s development is learning by playing at a higher level than you’ve previously experienced. The game has always been the best teacher and we believe that our players will reap the benefits from this experience." [1]
An initial 31 man squad was first named. [2] A returning from injury Ollie Smith was later added, the only full international player in the squad. He had not played competitive rugby for 364 days. [3] There was named an Emerging Scotland 27-man squad for their opening match against Italy Under 23 side. [4]
Head Coach: Gregor Townsend
Note: Caps listed are full international caps.
The Scotland national rugby union team represents the Scottish Rugby Union in men's international rugby union. The team takes part in the annual Six Nations Championship, where they are the current Calcutta Cup and Doddie Weir Cup holders. They also participate in the Rugby World Cup, which takes place every four years.
Gregor Peter John Townsend is a Scottish professional rugby union coach and former player who has been coaching the Scotland national team since 2017.
Sean Lamont is a Scottish former international rugby union player and now Strength and Conditioning Coach. He played at centre and on the wing. He gained 105 caps for Scotland before retiring from international rugby in 2017.
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The Scotland A team are the second national rugby union team behind the Scottish national side. The first Scotland 'A' fixture took place in 1990.
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