Scottish Rugby

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Scotland's men's U20s side racked up over 100 points for the second successive game with a 15-try victory over Hong Kong.

Equally impressive was their defence showing in the 101-0 win at the Hive to continue their strong start to the World Rugby U20 trophy.

Finlay Doyle scored a first-half hat-trick with Freddy Douglas on a double at the interval, while Liam McConnell, Jonny Morris, Hector Patterson also got on the scoresheet before the break.

In the second period, Morris grabbed another as Johnny Ventisei, Jack Hocking, Fergus Watson, Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, Ludo Kolade and Ryan Burke got in on the act.

Scotland will next take on Japan at the same venue on Friday, 12 July (19:45 BST).

We asked for your views after a youthful Scotland side scored 11 tries to batter Canada in the first outing of their summer tour.

Here's what some of you had to say:

David: I was able to make it to Ottawa for the game. Great display, Dylan Richardson was really impressive as a ball carrying hooker and Harry Paterson at full-back brought pace and skill. Really good to see the team gel so well, with complex moves and a very low error count. Great start to the tour for a young team.

Jock: This performance showed that we have some really talented players coming through and should not be wetting our pants when we see our U20 players not doing so well in the Six Nations.

William: Fantastic win with a young side. The future is looking good.

Tom: I’ve been convinced Scottish rugby has a bright future and I'm pretty sure we are to reap the rewards of a strong coaching scheme, but do we have the right coaches at the top?

Colin: Good to see new caps in a young and fresh team. They had a crack at taking opportunities when they arose and most of it came off. Gus Warr and Ross Thompson looked useful, as were Paterson and Richardson. Pack needs a bit of bulk, well done Canada for taking their chances. Tougher tests to follow but good to see a confidence-boosting win under the belt.

Martyn: Got to be honest the opposition weren’t great. However, there were some outstanding individual performances. Paterson looks the real deal. Warr was excellent and the team looked really sharp. Hopefully the opposition improves as the tour goes on.

Stuart: Good to see the array of young talent on show. Some of these lads were out to show they are quality. Paterson was outstanding, Richardson fabulous, Warr enterprising. I know Canada were poor, but our line breaks and support lines were top drawer!

What did you make of Scotland's record-breaking victory over Canada?

Who impressed you out there? Who should we see more of on this tour? And what can Gregor Townsend really learn from games like that?

Let us know your thoughts here., external

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Harry Paterson. Seen above offloading to Arron Reed for the debutant winger's first try, he was absolutely superb in only his second Scotland appearance.

Brave in defence and electrifying in attack, he plays with the reckless abandon you'd expect to see in schoolboy rugby.

That isn't a negative, though. He's raw and dogged, always willing to fly into contact but with the skill and vision to create a chance with his offloading.

If he maintains this trajectory, he should expect to pick up plenty more Scotland caps.

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Stafford McDowall says it was a "shock" to be asked to captain Scotland against Canada on Saturday.

The Glasgow Warriors centre has been named as co-captain alongside Edinburgh's Luke Crosbie for the first Test of Scotland's summer tour.

The 26-year-old believes his experience leading the URC champions this season has helped him grow as a player.

"Gregor told me and Luke Crosbie together that we'd be co-captaining when we first came into camp," McDowall said.

"It was a bit of a shock, I was a bit overwhelmed. I was straight on the phone to my dad and he's coming out for the game on Saturday.

"He was always planning to come to one game, and when he heard I was going to be co-captain, he was like 'that's the one'. It's a special day for my family. He's played a massive role in my career so I'm glad I get to share the day with him.

"Being part of the leadership group at Glasgow has been massive for me. Just having the confidence to put my thoughts forward."

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Scotland Under-20s began the Six Nations Summer Series with a narrow 17-13 defeat to Italy in Parma.

The Scots led at half-time through a converted Nicole Flynn try and two penalties from the boots of Lucy MacRae, but were unable to score any points after the interval.

Greta Copat scored the decisive try for the hosts after a sustained spell of pressure, but Scotland did have chances to win it late on.

Sky Phimister looked set to score with the game's final play after Aregash Pellizzon fumbled a kick over the top, but the Scottish winger's kick rolled over the dead-ball line before she could chase it down.

Scotland take on France on 9 July, before rounding off their Summer Series campaign against Ireland on 14 July.

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Glasgow Warriors lock Sintu Manjezi has returned to his homeland of South Africa and former club the Bulls after two years at Scotstoun.

The 29-year-old second row made 23 appearances for the Warriors and scored one try in an injury-hampered spell which saw him sit out for nearly a year between December 2022 and November 2023.

Manjezi, who was not part of the Glasgow squad that defeated the Bulls in the URC grand final last month, has signed a four-year deal to rejoin the club where he previously played in 2020-2021.

Upon re-signing with the Pretoria side, Manjezi described Glasgow as a "wonderful club".

"Being abroad was good, getting to experience different cultures, people and a way of life," he told Bulls' website.

"Glasgow is a wonderful club and I enjoyed being challenged and learning in a different environment."

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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"When you wear the navy blue jersey, you have to give as much effort as you’ve ever given, that’s what that jersey demands of you."

Gregor Townsend was not mincing his words when outlining the standards expected of his inexperienced Scotland squad when they take on Canada on Saturday.

The Scotland head coach has named five uncapped players in his line-up in the summer tour opener, including Sale Sharks scrum-half Gus Warr.

His inclusion has forced Glasgow Warriors' Jamie Dobie out onto the wing, where Townsend admitted he has been "increasingly impressed" with the 23-year-old.

"It’s partly to manage the squad over the first two games," Townsend said after announcing his team on Wednesday.

"Also, we’re increasingly impressed with Jamie the more he plays on the wing.

"His defence, his speed, his high ball ability. We do believe scrum-half is his best position, but playing wing can help him play more games and also help his running game and support lines when he goes to 9.

"He’ll get a chance to play 9 on Saturday and later in the tour."

The Scots will also play the United States (12 July), Chile (20 July) and Uruguay (27 July), with the latter two Tests shown live on BBC Scotland and iPlayer.

And Townsend admitted it's an "exciting and engaging" for his staff and players alike ahead of the Autumn Test against South Africa, too.

"If you want to increase your depth and players to feel what international rugby is like, you have to give them that experience," he added,

"It’s really exciting getting to know new players. Working with someone new where you’ve not talked about their game and see their journey developing, that’s really engaging."

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Gregor Townsend says Canada will see Scotland as a "big potential scalp" as his side prepare for the first game of their summer tour on Saturday.

Scotland face Canada in Ottowa before games against USA, Chile and Uruguay, and Townsend is not expecting an easy start.

"They will be very physical," he said. "We used to play them a lot more regularly, they were always physical.

"They will be hugely motivated. Having missed out on the World Cup and now getting the chance to play a Six Nations team is a big potential scalp for them.

"They are playing at home as well, so there’s obviously a lot of pride there - we’ve got to deal with that.

"We’ve got to adapt to see what is working for us, what they are trying to do to us and focus on improving throughout the game."

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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has been talking to the media before his side's summer tour opener against Canada on Saturday (22:00 BST).

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• He says having younger, more inexperienced players in this Scotland squad is "exciting and refreshing", and is expecting a "great occasion" as several players win their first caps on Saturday.

• On selecting Jamie Dobie on the wing, Townsend says playing there helps Dobie to "play more games and also help his running game and support lines when he goes to nine". Stressed that Dobie's best position is scrum-half and he will get opportunities there as the tour goes on.

• Believes some of the new faces will become "genuine contenders" to start in this summer's Autumn internationals and next year's Six Nations. Highlighted prop Elliot Millar Mills and how he took his opportunity to impress earlier this year.

• Townsend is anticipating a "very physical" Canada side, and says it's important Scotland adapt throughout the game against unfamiliar opposition.

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Scotland's summer tour of the Americas is a chance to build on the "feelgood factor" created by Glasgow Warriors' URC triumph, according to BBC Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English.

Glasgow beat Bulls 21-16 in the final in Pretoria last month, the first title won by a Scottish side since the Warriors' Pro12 victory in 2015.

Gregor Townsend's side will play four Test matches in the coming weeks, against Canada, USA, Chile and Uruguay.

"They want to win four from four," English told the Rugby Union Daily podcast.

"There's the Glasgow feelgood factor coming into this trip. Scottish players in the last few weeks have won more medals than the country has done in the previous nine years."

English would have also liked to have seen more youngsters taken on the tour, but believes the SRU was reluctant to weaken their Under-20s side for the World Rugby Trophy currently taking place in Edinburgh.

"It's partly a developmental tour. I would have liked to have seen more experimentation [in the squad]," he added.

"There's two or three in the Under-20s team who I think would have benefitted from this trip, but they're got this second-tier World Cup thing in Edinburgh. They didn't want to risk making a mess of that like they have made a mess of other Under-20s tournaments recently.

"Freddie Douglas, an openside future who has a big future, is playing in that rather than being in the Americas."

We asked for your views after Glasgow and Edinburgh discovered their group-stage opponents in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup respectively.

Here's what some of you said:

David: The competition is not called the 'Champions Cup' for nothing! All the top sides are there so no matter who the Warriors drew it was always going to be a difficult task. I should think that all the other sides are saying the same about the Warriors.

Xando: Absolutely brutal group for Glasgow. It appears winning the URC is not rewarded as richly as winning the Premiership in terms of group seedings.

Alex: A tough draw for Glasgow but looking at all the groups, there are no easy games. Certainly have the quality to get the two wins needed and particularly want to get a win against Quins after they snuck by us last season.

Ian: Glasgow has a tough draw but might come second at best, will need to win most of their home games and one away game to go through. Edinburgh should get through the group stage but that's all.

Arran: Pretty decent group for Edinburgh. Black Lion and Vannes will bring interesting and new challenges but should be contending for top of the group. Gloucester will be biggest challenge for us I think.

Stuart: As Warriors fan, if you want to be the best you must beat the tough opponents. Good draw for me. Exciting matches ahead!

Alan: This is the chance for Edinburgh to show their mettle and demonstrate why they're the number one Scottish club side. A good chance to meet up with Glasgow if they manage to pick up a Challenge Cup spot when they're inevitably ejected from the Champions Cup.

Anthony: Looking at the other groups there are no easy routes to the knockout stage. To be honest I’d actually go as far as to say Glasgow have done okay with their draw. Pool 3 looks horrendous. Edinburgh have a great chance to go through.

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Scotland scored a remarkable 19 tries to crush Samoa in the opening match of their World Rugby U20 Trophy campaign.

The Scots set a tournament-record tally in their 123-15 victory in Edinburgh, overtaking Japan's 105-20 success against Hong Kong China just a few hours earlier.

Winger Finlay Doyle and full-back Fergus Watson both celebrated hat-tricks in a one-sided contest.

Hooker Jerry Blyth-Lafferty touched down twice either side of his tighthead brother Ollie doing the same.

Fly-half Andrew McLean kicked 13 conversions, including one from his own try.

Scotland take on Hong Kong China on Sunday and complete Group A against Japan on Friday 12 July.

Uruguay, Netherlands, USA and Kenya make up Group B.

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Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt is relishing an "exciting" Challenge Cup group that includes last season's runners-up Gloucester and debutants Vannes.

Completing the Pool 3 line-up next season are Bayonne, Scarlets and Georgia’s Black Lion.

The Scottish side have never previously faced Black Lion - now led by former Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill - or Britanny-based Vannes, who are making their Challenge Cup debut after earning promotion to the French top flight for the first time.

The other three teams are familiar opposition. Everitt's men lost by a point to Gloucester in the group stage last season before winning at fellow URC side Scarlets to reach the knockout rounds where they beat Bayonne.

Edinburgh's run was halted in the quarter-finals by eventual champions the Sharks in South Africa - can they advance further this time round?

Edinburgh will face four of the five sides, with fixtures yet to be announced.

"It’s an exciting pool, with a couple of teams we know well having played them last season," said Everitt.

"We could also be going into the unknown if we face Black Lion and Vannes, who are two strong teams that will be looking to lay down a marker in the competition.

"The European nights at Hive Stadium have such a buzz about them, we can’t wait to get started."

Challenge Cup Pool 3 fixture dates

• Round one – 6-8 December

• Round two – 13-15 December

• Round three – 10-12 January

• Round four – 17-19 January

Glasgow have the chance to avenge last season's defeat when they tackle Harlequins in a tough-looking Pool 4 of the Champions Cup next term.

A 28-24 away defeat ended Glasgow's hopes in the last 16 in April and Harlequins made it as far as the semis before falling to eventual champions Toulouse.

Warriors also have Toulon for the second season running after the French side finished bottom of the group last term having lost 29-5 at Scotstoun.

Another French outfit, England fly-half Owen Farrell's Racing 92, provide an eye-catching tie for Franco Smith's URC champions. Glasgow impressively secured home and away wins when the sides last met in the 2016-17 campaign.

And the Scotstoun side will take on Sale Sharks - who finished third in the English top flight last season - for the first time since easing to a 45-7 group-stage victory back in 2020.

The tournament gets under way in December and each team in the pool plays four games - two home and two away - before the top four advance to the round of the 16. The final takes place in Cardiff on May 24.

Champions Cup Pool 4 fixture dates

• Round one – 6-8 December

• Round two – 13-15 December

• Round three – 10-12 January

• Round four – 17-19 January

Glasgow have drawn French sides Racing 92 and Toulon as well as English Premiership clubs Harlequins and Sale Sharks and South Africa's Stormers in Pool 4 of the Champions Cup next season.

Franco Smith's side won't play Stormers as clubs from the same league can't face each other.

Edinburgh are in Pool 3 of the Challenge Cup alongside Vannes and Bayonne of France, Georgian side Black Lion, Scarlets of Wales and England's Gloucester.

What do you make of the draw for your team? Can you reach the knockout rounds and go deep in the tournament?

Have your say here, external

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Scotland winger Rhona Lloyd has expressed her disappointment at not being selected in Great Britain's sevens squad for this summer's Paris Olympics.

The 27-year-old has been a regular for Team GB in recent years, but was left out by head coach Ciaran Beattie.

The 27-year-old also missed out on the Tokyo Olympics and says she now needs "to figure out who I am" without her Olympic dream, hinting she will take a break from the sevens format.

"Congratulations to all the athletes selected for the Olympics, especially to my GB Rugby 7s teammates," Lloyd wrote on Instagram.

"After not getting selected for Tokyo, I was determined to do everything to not let that happen again - and I thought I did. Elite sport can be cruel and not everyone gets their fairytale ending.

"I'm taking a break from social media to put my energy into supporting my team in the lead up to Paris and to protect my headspace.

"I have dreamed of the Olympics for as long as I can remember and I need to figure out who I am without that and what to dream of now.

"It's been a huge honour representing Great Britain but, at least for now, my 7s chapter comes to a close.

"Thank you to everybody who has been a part of it - teammates, support staff, opponents and everybody who makes the World Series spin. It's been a pleasure."