Scottish Rugby

Latest updates

  1. Put your questions to Tom English & Andy Burkepublished at 18:56 20 January

    Have your say banner

    With the Six Nations looming, there's plenty to talk about in the world of Scottish rugby.

    Sione Tuipulotu and Scott Cummings have both been ruled out of the tournament through injury, while there were mixed fortunes in Europe for Glasgow and Edinburgh.

    Send your questions in for our rugby writers Tom English and Andy Burke via this link, external, and they will be answered on this page later in the week.

  2. Edinburgh 36-15 Black Lion: Three things we learnedpublished at 16:57 20 January

    Andy Burke
    BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

    Paddy Harrison celebrates against Black LionImage source, SNS

    Hints of Healy getting back to form

    It's a sign of Ben Healy's diminished status in the Scottish game that his omission from Gregor Townsend's Six Nations squad came as a surprise to precisely no one.

    Not so long ago, when he was convinced to abandon his ambitions of representing Ireland to throw his lot in with Scotland, Healy was viewed as Finn Russell's chief understudy.

    Some patchy form at the tail end of last season and the beginning of this campaign, along with the emergence of Tom Jordan and now Fergus Burke in the Scotland set-up, means Healy's road back towards earning more Test caps is a long one.

    First things first. He must establish himself as Edinburgh's leading 10 ahead of Ross Thompson.

    He showed some encouraging stuff against Black Lion. Yes the opposition was limited, but they were helped to look that way by some lovely distribution and excellent kicking from Healy.

    Now he needs to build on that and show similar control against the better sides Edinburgh will face between now and the end of the season.

    Tackle technique hurts Edinburgh

    The one black mark on Healy's report card was a high shot in the second half which saw him sent to the sin bin. On first viewing, he looked fortunate that it wasn't red.

    Magnus Bradbury had already been sent off for a similar high tackle, his shoulder making contact with the head of Bachuki Tchumbadze.

    Sean Everitt bemoaned Bradbury's red – "it really put us in a sticky position" – and conceded that Healy was "probably a bit fortunate" not to see red also. His yellow was damaging enough given it reduced Edinburgh to 13 men and allowed Black Lion the space to score two late tries.

    The Edinburgh boys can expect some work on their tackle technique in training this week.

    Watson still a hero of the Hive

    Hamish Watson has found himself essentially a bit-part player in recent times. His presence in an Edinburgh matchday squad is no longer guaranteed and his minutes on the pitch tend to come off the bench.

    That was the case once again as he came on in the second half against the Georgian side. The ovation he received from the crowd at Hive Stadium told you he is still one of the fans' favourites in the capital.

    Clearly the flanker is not the force of nature he once was. The barnstorming runs of bouncing off three/four/five defenders are rarely seen these days.

    However, the experience of a man who was once a Six Nations player of the year and a Test Lion should not be discounted. Edinburgh would do well to make use of him before he departs at the end of the season, which seems likely.

  3. Harlequins 24-7 Glasgow: Three things we learnedpublished at 16:54 20 January

    George O'Neill
    BBC Sport Scotland

    Jamie Dobie in action for Glasgow WarriorsImage source, Getty Images

    Lineout fails to fire

    So often under Franco Smith, Glasgow have relied on their lineout and their mauling power to deliver tries.

    It has been one of their great strengths in recent times, but at The Stoop they were hampered by lineout struggles.

    Glasgow kept possession from just 63% of their own lineouts, with errant throwing and unforced errors present throughout the contest. It halted momentum on multiple occasions on what was a frustrating evening in south west London.

    Cummings injury provides further headaches for Scotland

    Much of the talk after the game has focused on Sione Tuipulotu's pectoral injury that has ruled the centre out of the Six Nations.

    It has overshadowed Scott Cummings' arm injury sustained at Quins, which also rules him out of the tournament, another blow to Scotland's chances.

    Cummings is an outstanding lock, and with young Max Williamson also out injured, Scotland's options in the second row suddenly look limited.

    Glasgow forcing it too much?

    Glasgow made 546m with ball in hand in the game, more than Harlequins' 423m, and they also made more clean breaks (15 to 8).

    However, Glasgow didn't take their chances off the back of that. Too often they made the initial break and then threw away possession with a needless offload or overly ambitious pass, when recycling the ball and building again might have served them better.

    Such has been their attacking prowess under Smith that it feels somewhat ridiculous to criticise, but against Quins they lacked their usual clarity with ball in hand.

    If they are to go far in this competition, they need to rediscover that clinical touch.

  4. Tuipulotu absence a 'horror story' for Scotland - Nicolpublished at 15:25 20 January

    Media caption,

    Former scrum-half Andy Nicol says Sione Tuipulotu being ruled out of the Six Nations with a pectoral injury is "devastating" for Scotland.

  5. 'Odds on Scotland causing a sensation this season drift with Tuipulotu news'published at 13:10 20 January

    Tom English
    BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

    Behind the mic

    The grim confirmation of Sione Tuipulotu's Six Nations-ending injury was expected but it still landed with a thud nonetheless.

    Tuipulotu is one of the form inside centres in the game; a captain, a physical brute, an artist, an inspiration to his team. He's a pretty rare amalgam of world class bludgeon and world class rapier.

    His absence - and that of the outstanding lock Scott Cummings - has seen Scottish optimism, racing along merrily last week, reduced to a slow crawl. Glasgow have also suffered a double blow in the loss of two critical operators.

    Tuipulotu's partnership with Huw Jones is a cosmic blend. Now an alternative is needed. Jones and his excellent Warriors' team-mate, Tom Jordan, don't pack enough physical punch for Test rugby as a duo. Franco Smith never plays them together at 12-13 for Glasgow.

    The same could be said for Rory Hutchinson, the dangerous Northampton centre. A Hutchinson-Jones combo lacks enough muscle for the unforgiving fields of Six Nations rugby.

    Most likely, it's going to be another Warriors pair, Stafford McDowall and Jones in the midfield in the championship. McDowall is a tough operator and a Glasgow captain but nobody inside the Scotland camp is pretending that Tuipulotu's absence is anything other than a nightmare.

    As for Tuipulotu's fitness for the Lions - pretty much every pundit in all four nations has picked him at 12 in the Test series - let's just hope that his operation is successful and that his recovery is swift.

    Losing Cummings is also hellish news given his power game and his form. Grant Gilchrist and Jonny Gray will surely now start against Italy in the opening day of the championship, but their back-up, Glasgow's Max Williamson, is also out for the tournament, so there are problems in multiple places. Glasgow head coach Smith, like Gregor Townsend, must be a disappointed man today.

    Scotland began their Six Nations season with two home games back-to-back, with Italy and then Ireland coming to Murrayfield in the first nine days of February.

    The odds on Townsend's team causing a sensation this season will have drifted with Monday's news.

  6. 'An absolute disaster' - Your views on Tuipulotu's injurypublished at 11:52 20 January

    your views graphic

    We asked for your views on Sione Tuipulotu's injury woes before he was confirmed to miss the Six Nations.

    Here's what some of you said:

    John: This will be an absolute disaster for Scotland. First and foremost, I hope that he recovers quickly. He is an exemplary leader and player.

    James: This is such bad news for Glasgow and Scotland with the possibility of losing such an inspirational player. I don't understand why he was even down training, if not even considered for this. The Harlequins game should have been a rest, we are kind of unlucky but have to just move on. I reckon Stafford McDowall, Cameron Redpath or Tom Jordan could do a good job.

    Neil: As a Scotsman I think this may be a bit of a selection dilemma for Gregor Townsend but if it's not as serious as it could be, I think he would be selected for the opening game of the Six Nations tournament against Italy in Edinburgh. Let's hope so because he captained us to victory in three of the four Autumn Nations series only losing to the Springboks.

    Ben: The injury to Tuipulotu plus Glasgow's result against Harlequins has definitely put a dampener on optimism for the Six Nations. If we want to be in with a serious chance at the tournament, we need all of our big players available and playing consistently at eight or nine out of 10's. Zander Fagerson, Finn Russell & Tuipulotu we need the most.

    Henry: Tuipulotu's injury was obvious last week and he should have been withdrawn immediately. Now he and George Horne are doubtful Scotland starts. No Warriors excuses. We did it the hard way last year and can repeat that this time.

    Bill: Of course the loss of a world class player is a blow to a squad which is aiming to bring on a number of newer talents supported by several established stars, but we must stop focusing on negatives and reorganise around our other game changers including, in particular, Huw Jones and Blair Kinghorn.

  7. Graham can '100%' be a Lion - Cockerillpublished at 18:44 19 January

    Andy Burke
    BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

    Darcy Graham runs out at Hive StadiumImage source, SNS

    Darcy Graham will "100%" be selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, if he stays fit, according to his former Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill.

    The winger helped Edinburgh to a Challenge Cup victory over Cockerill's Black Lion side on Sunday, and the Englishman, who gave the Hawick flyer his senior debut in 2017, is convinced Graham has what it takes to don the famous red jersey in Australia this summer.

    "The first time I ever saw him train, I knew he was going to be a special player," Cockerill told BBC Scotland.

    "He's got great feet, he's got great pace. He's tough as teak for such a little fella. He was outstanding tonight.

    "If he can stay fit, 100% he will be a Lion, I've no doubt of that."

    Graham will be pivotal to Scotland's hopes of a successful Six Nations campaign, and Cockerill believes Gregor Townsend's side are capable of mounting a serious title challenge.

    "Scotland are a real contender for the Six Nations," said Cockerill, who combines his role with Black Lion with the Georgia national head coach job.

    "They've got a settled squad. They've got an experienced squad. They start with Italy, then they have Ireland. If you can get through those two, then anything is possible.

    "It's the hope that kills you, isn't it? They're a great side. They've shown that.

    "They've beaten England the last four times. They're real competitors and they should be one of the favourites for the Six Nations."

  8. Glasgow & Edinburgh learn European opponentspublished at 18:13 19 January

    Glasgow centre Huw Jones and Edinburgh flanker Luke CrosbieImage source, SNS

    Glasgow Warriors will host Leicester Tigers in the Champions Cup round of 16.

    Franco Smith's side finished second in Pool 4, while the Tigers came third in Pool 1. The match will take place on either 4, 5 or 6 April at Scotstoun.

    In the Challenge Cup, Edinburgh will take on South African side Lions in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup in the Scottish capital.

    Sean Everitt's team topped Pool 3, while Lions came fourth in Pool 2. That match will also take place on the first weekend in April.

  9. Edinburgh 36-15 Black Lion: Have your saypublished at 15:54 19 January

    Have your say

    What did you make of Edinburgh's victory over Black Lion?

    Did you enjoy seeing Richard Cockerill back in town? Who impressed you in the win over the Georgians?

    And how important is it that Edinburgh finished top of the pool? Has Sean Everitt eased some of the pressure on him as head coach?

    Let us know your thoughts here., external

  10. Edinburgh 36-15 Black Lion: What Everitt saidpublished at 15:51 19 January

    Sean EverittImage source, SNS

    Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt told BBC Scotland: "Pleased that we got the job done. Frustrated playing 13 men for 10 minutes, that's where the game turned a little sour.

    "The guys stuck to task. They were always going to be a difficult opposition to play against, they've run other teams close in this competition.

    "Sometimes when you're down to 14 men, you go into the game with a defensive mindset and defend rather than attack. We did brilliantly to score those two tries after the red card.

    "I'm just proud of the boys and how they fought defensively. With 13 men, it's not easy to cover the full width of the field and we were really good in that department. Hats off to the forwards, who scrummed with seven after the red card. We took a chance and it worked.

    [On red card] "We've got a policy on our tackle technique. We want to hit below the ball and we didn't. That's a risk that you take when you get above the ball. No one does it on purpose, we see it every week.

    "The boys are now aware that there is massive consequences for that. Especially with Maggie's one, it really put us in a sticky position.

    [On home advantage in next round] "We learn the hard way last year when we had to travel to Durban for a one-off against the Sharks. One of our goals was to finish on top of our pool and we've achieved that. It does make it easier. You win the last 16 and you get a home quarter.

    "The guys understand now what consistency is. If you look at how we started the game, and how we played last week, and the second performance against Glasgow, it was important we showed that consistency and we've done that.

    "[Grant] Gilchrist and Duhan [Van der Merwe] should be fit and ready to play against Italy."

  11. Bad news on way over Tuipulotu?published at 21:16 18 January

    Tom English
    BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

    Glasgow Warriors centre Sione TuipulotuImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Sione Tuipulotu is a key player for Glasgow Warriors and Scotland

    When everybody at Glasgow Warriors - and at Murrayfield - talk vaguely, or not at all, when asked about Sione Tuipulotu's injury, you get a feeling that bad news is on the way.

    All of Scotland waits with bated breath for the official prognosis.

    Tuipulotu is one of the form inside-centres in the world game; a captain, a physical brute, an artist, an inspiration to his team. If he's missing some, or all, of the Six Nations then a chunk of optimism about Scotland's campaign is going to go with him.

    His partnership with Huw Jones is a cosmic blend. Now it looks like an alternative is needed.

    Jones and Tom Jordan does not pack enough physical punch. Franco Smith never plays them together at 12-13 for Glasgow.

    Most likely, it is going to be another Warriors pair, Stafford McDowall and Jones, in the midfield in the championship.

    That is still a forceful and dynamic unit, but the potential loss of the big man is a nightmare on many fronts.

    As for Tuipulotu's fitness for the Lions, let us just presume that whatever time he misses in the Six Nations he will still have time enough to get himself roaring again for the summer in Australia.

  12. Edinburgh winger Wells to make pro debut against Black Lionpublished at 13:37 17 January

    Lewis Wells in action during a pre-season friendlyImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Lewis Wells will make his Edinburgh debut against Black Lion

    Edinburgh have made six changes from the side that beat Vannes last week for this Sunday's Challenge Cup match against Black Lion at Hive Stadium.

    Lewis Wells, 22, replaces Duhan van der Merwe - who has a minor ankle knock - and makes his senior debut for the club.

    Charlie Shiel is the only other change to the back line, with Ali Price dropping to the bench.

    In the forwards, Paddy Harrison and Paul Hill start in the front row in place of Dave Cherry and Javan Sebastian, while Tom Dodd and Magnus Bradbury come into the back row with Jamie Ritchie and Ben Muncaster not involved.

    A win against the Georgian outfit would guarantee Edinburgh a home tie in the last 16.

    "Sunday's match is vital for us," head coach Sean Everitt said. "To go deep into this tournament, we want to ensure as many of our matches in the knockouts are at home, so we need to put ourselves in the position to do that.

    "I'm happy for Lewis. He's earned his spot in the team, but we know it will be a fierce contest against Black Lion. They're arriving with a point to prove, so we'll need to be at our best."

    Edinburgh XV to face Black Lion: Goosen, Graham, Currie, Lang, Wells, Healy, Shiel; Shoeman, Harrison, Hill, Sykes, Skinner, Dodd, Crosbie, Bradbury.

    Replacements: Ashman, Venter, Sebastian, Young, Watson, Price, Thompson, M. Tuipulotu.

  13. Dempsey returns as Glasgow change five for Quins trippublished at 13:36 17 January

    Jack Dempsey in Glasgow trainingImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Jack Dempsey starts for Glasgow at number eight

    Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith has made five changes from the win over Racing 92 for Saturday's Champions Cup match at Harlequins.

    Euan Ferrie replaces Gregor Brown in the second row, while Jack Dempsey makes his first club appearance since October, preferred to Jack Mann at number eight.

    In the backs, Jamie Dobie comes in for George Horne at scrum-half, and there are starts for Stafford McDowall and Kyle Rowe in place of Sione Tuipulotu and Kyle Steyn.

    Glasgow could still top Pool 4 and secure a home quarter-final should they get there, but need to better Toulon's result against Sale on Sunday.

    "We know that Harlequins will pose probably our toughest test of the pool stage tomorrow night," Smith said.

    "They have proved against the Stormers that they are an incredibly difficult team to beat at home, so we need to continue our own progress and focus on our own performance.

    "They also have a proud record in front of their home supporters, and we look forward to the challenge that awaits us tomorrow night."

    Glasgow XV to face Harlequins: McKay, Cancelliere, Jones, McDowall, Rowe, Jordan, Dobie; Sutherland, Matthews, Z. Fagerson, Ferrie, Cummings, M. Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

    Replacements: Hiddleston, Bhatti, Talakai, Samuel, Brown, Venter, Afshar, Weir.

  14. Replacing Jordan at Glasgow 'brutally hard' published at 17:46 16 January

    Q&A banner

    BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering some of your Scottish rugby questions.

    Peter asked: Some of the chat at Scotstoun was the possibility of Scottish-qualified 10 Dan Lancaster being a possibility for next season at Glasgow. He would perhaps fit in with David Nucifora's policy but would he be good enough?

    Tom answered: I haven't seen much to suggest Lancaster is the replacement for Tom Jordan at Glasgow. He's young, but he's bounced around a bit and hasn't become the starting 10 anywhere. He's at Racing now, obviously. Would he be there if his father wasn't the head coach? Doubtful.

    Glasgow definitely need a new 10. Adam Hastings is excellent, but he's dogged by injury. Duncan Weir is one step away from taking to the field with a zimmer frame. And it's kids apart from that.

    I'd look to have a look at young Richie Simpson, but even still, they need another 10. Losing Jordan for next season was an absolute calamity. Replacing him is going to be brutally hard.

    Jonty asked: Are you aware of any moves or even a desire to reinstate the Scotland Sevens programme? It helped a fair few current internationals on the way when it was up and running and it's disappointing to see teams like Uruguay and Spain managing to fund a team when we can't.

    Tom answered: Money's so tight at the SRU that I'd be amazed if there were any plans afoot as regards the Sevens programme.

    Edinburgh and Glasgow are both taking a cut to their budgets next season, so that shows there's not much in the kitty. As performance director, Nucifora will want a vibrant Sevens scene but the SRU need to generate a whole lot more money to get it done in a meaningful way.

  15. 'Settled squad & first team' - your views on Six Nations selectionpublished at 14:48 16 January

    your views graphic

    We asked for your views on the Scotland squad announced by Gregor Townsend for the upcoming Six Nations.

    Here's what some of you said:

    Douglas: Aside from the Johnny Matthews exclusion, it's finally a team that can start to settle as a unit, with the same names coming back. No more wild card inclusions or revolving door of new names, the famous Toonie Tombola is over, for now. The question of where we end the Six Nations? The dream? Win the whole lot! The reality? Anywhere from second to fourth.

    Steven: Pretty happy with the selections made from those that are fit. Kyle Steyn would have made the squad if not for injury, hopefully he'll recover in time to play some part. Much made of Matthews' omission but Scotland will not dominate mauls like Glasgow can in the URC and his stats in defence look like the main reason he's not made the cut.

    Jordan: Some very interesting omissions from the second row, most notably Cameron Henderson, who has been playing consistently well for an improved Tigers team. The inclusion of Marshall Sykes over the likes of Henderson, Alex Craig, Alex Samuel and even Jare Oguntibeju and Ewan Johnson is strange in my opinion.

    Paul: Settled squad and first team. Scott Cummings' partner in the second row is about the only debatable position. Real shame about the injuries to Steyn and Max Williamson. I would have started Steyn against Ireland - I don't think any side plays Duhan van der Merwe better than Ireland. Let's hope Glasgow's winning mentality translates to the national squad and this is our year.

    John: Feel like Tom Jordan deserves a start at 10 in at least one game, and the Scotland vs Italy fixture is the perfect one. He's coming off a cracking run with Glasgow, why break up the Warriors half/centre team - extra time for Finn Russell to bed back in and keeps him fresh for Ireland. Rest Jordan for Ireland, Fergus Burke on the bench, then Jordan back-up for England.

    Arran: Think it's a good mix of experience and youth, with the likes of Jonny Gray back with tonnes of experience but also some new exciting players who've been performing well like Jack Mann. Really excited for Burke, even if he doesn't play, an exciting option for the future and he'll learn lots being in the camp! Hopeful for this year!