Scottish Rugby

Image source, SNS

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English casts his expert eye over the recently-ended Scottish rugby season to pick out some favourite moments and performers.

Game of the season: Final match of the Under-20 Six Nations. The champions France 45, the fifth-place Scots 40. At various points, France were 13, 14, 15 and 16 points ahead but couldn't shake off a brilliant Scotland effort with some outstanding individual performances to gladden the heart. Five tries for the visitors in a classic.

Moment of the season: Darcy Graham responding to his omission from the Lions - an injustice - by scoring a hat-trick against Ulster in his next game. For club and country he's scored 39 tries in his past 50 games - and he's not a Lion?

Try of the season: Freddy Douglas putting two French defenders on their backside and eluding two more as he scored up the left wing in the dying moments of that epic U20 game. A remarkable player.

Men's player of the year: Torn between Graham (constant game-breaking class), Huw Jones (an incredible attacker), Finn Russell (controlled and inspired as Bath's Premiership and Challenge Cup winning architect), Zander Fagerson (force of nature). The big man went the full 80 in Paris and was still hammering away at the end. Cruelly denied the Lions tour that he richly deserved. Going with Russell. He's just a joy to watch.

Women's player of the year: The fact Evie Gallagher was picked on the Six Nations team of the championship just shows you how good she was. There were so many contenders but she was picked as the leading openside. A turnover machine. She topped the stats charts with most steals, with twice as many as anybody else. Averaged 3.2 turnovers per 80 minutes. Terrific.

Best Edinburgh player: You can't keep a good man down for long. Hamish Watson roared back into form, bounced defenders like he used to do in the Test arena and was a total menace over ball. He's 33 but the emerging Edinburgh back-rows are going to have to rip the jersey off his back if they want to get in ahead of him.

Best Glasgow player: He played 20 games for his club and scored 14 tries, but there's more to George Horne than his outrageous try-scoring record. He's the tempo of the team, the heartbeat, the guy who gets bums off seats. He embodies the best of the Warriors.

Highlight: Scotland women beating a fancied Ireland in the final round of the Six Nations. A reminder that it is possible for blue to beat green in Test rugby.

Lowlight: Scotland losing limply again to Ireland in the Six Nations. They were 17-0 down after 40 minutes then went another 27 minutes without scoring. Ireland did a physical and psychological number on them once more.

Most controversial moment: Tommy Freeman's 'try' at Twickenham? Russell being moved closer to the touchline to an incorrect position for the potentially match-winning conversion? Franco Smith's apparent come-and-get-me interview when asked about the rumours linking him to the Wales job? We'll pick Franco, because it was so out of character. Odd then and still odd now. Everybody loves you Franco, but are you staying or going?

Image source, SNS

Evie Wills is the latest Scotland player on the move in Premiership Women's Rugby after she joined Sale Sharks.

The 24-year-old centre, who has four caps for Scotland, returned from a knee injury last season for Leicester Tigers and fought her way back into the national squad, appearing on the bench three times in the recent Six Nations.

She has now been named in the training squad for the upcoming World Cup, and will join her international teammates Molly Wright and Rachel Phillips at the Sharks next season.

She is the latest Scot to depart the Tigers after Francesca McGhie joined Trailfinders earlier in the month. However, scrum-half Jenny Maxwell has penned a new deal at Welford Road, and Scottish-qualified back-row Rowann Sinclair has joined the club permanently.

Elsewhere, Caity Mattison and Lisa Thomson will remain at Trailfinders, while Leia Brebner-Holden and Becky Boyd will stay at Loughborough Lightning.

There has also been an influx of Scots to Harlequins, with second rows Fi McIntosh and Natasha Logan joining Sarah Bonar in the engine room. Flying winger Coreen Grant has already joined from Saracens.

Image source, SNS

Edinburgh loosehead Boan Venter has earned a surprise South Africa call-up in a blow to Scotland's hopes of capping the 28-year-old.

Venter, born and raised in South Africa, signed for Edinburgh from Cheetahs in 2021 and is due to become Scottish qualified in February 2026 on residency grounds.

He has previously spoken about his desire to play for Scotland, external and follow in the footsteps of fellow South African-born props Pierre Schoeman and WP Nel.

However, Venter has now been selected in a 45-man squad as the Springboks prepare for a clash with the Barbarians on 28 June, before Tests against Italy and Georgia next month.

"Boan has been consistent for Edinburgh in the URC and the Challenge Cup, and he is familiar with the South African structures after playing for the Cheetahs and coming through our junior ranks, so we are looking forward to seeing him in action on the field," South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus said.

A Scottish Rugby directive to have fewer foreign players in professional club squads has led to Henco Venter and Sebastian Cancelliere leaving Glasgow in recent weeks.

Image source, SNS

"Invaluable" Scotland captain Rory Darge has signed a three-year contract extension with Glasgow Warriors.

The flanker, who Gregor Townsend named as skipper for this summer's Pacific Tour, has made 67 Warriors appearances since joining in 2021.

Head coach Franco Smith the 25-year-old is "one of the best in his position in Europe".

The 25-year-old, who played in 14 games during Warriors' URC title-winning campaign last year, said it was "a straightforward decision" to extend his stay at Scotstoun.

"I love my time in Glasgow and the club is the best place for me to be just now," he told the club's website.

"I'm loving my rugby and this is the best possible place for me to keep developing."

Smith said the openside flanker is "an invaluable asset" to his team.

"We still believe that he is only scratching the surface of his potential.

"His work in both attack and defence makes him an invaluable asset for both club and country; his statistics speak for themselves and only serve to underline his quality.

"He is someone who embodies what it means to be a Warrior."

Image source, SNS

Glasgow Warriors' new assistant coaches gave their reaction to their new role...

Scott Forrest: "I'm really looking forward to working with everyone – it's an incredibly exciting coaching group.

"Having had the opportunity to work alongside Franco and Nigel over the past season in my role with the club's A team and academy, I'm excited to take this a step further over the coming seasons.

"I'd also like to mention that working alongside Pete Murchie this season has been of huge benefit – he leaves huge large shoes to fill, but I'm excited to build on the excellent work he's done since leading the team's defence."

Roddy Grant: "The opportunity to come into such a successful environment and such a top-level culture was one I jumped at, and I'm looking forward to being able to contribute to that environment.

"It's a really exciting group here. Having coached against Franco for a number of years, I can't wait to work alongside him. I'm a huge admirer of Nigel's work as well, he's been hugely successful wherever he's been.

"To have the chance to work with Scott, too, is a special opportunity. We've known each other since 2006, so to be able to coach alongside each other is an exciting prospect."

Nigel Carolan: "I've really enjoyed my time at Scotstoun so far, and I'm excited to continue on the journey that this club is on.

"We've got a strong group as we build towards next season, with a mix of established internationals, players looking to push on to that next level, and some exciting new talent coming through."

Image source, SNS

Former Scotland Sevens internationals Scott Forrest and Roddy Grant have joined existing Glasgow Warriors attack coach, Nigel Carolan, as Franco Smith's new assistant coaches.

Carolan has been at Scotstoun since 2021, overseeing their attack during their URC triumph last season.

Forrest, a former Scotland Sevens captain, worked with Warriors academy last season, while former Edinburgh flanker Grant is the Georgia national team's assistant coach - and will join up after they face South Africa next month.

Defence coach Pete Murchie departed at the end of the season.

Warriors' URC title defence came to an end with defeat to Leinster in Saturday's semi-final and Smith is acting quick to prepare for next season.

"We are pleased to be able to retain Nigel's services as we prepare for the new campaign – he is someone that is thoroughly respected by everyone in both the playing group and backroom team, and his experience and expertise are valuable assets to the club," said head coach Smith.

"We are also excited to welcome Roddy and Scott into their new roles – both men have already shown that they are fully bought into what we are looking to build here, and the players and I are looking forward to working closely with them when pre-season gets underway."

BBC Sport Scotland rugby reporter Andy Burke has been answering some of your questions after Gregor Townsend announced his summer Pacific Tour squad.

Peter asked: What has Magnus Bradbury done to Gregor Townsend? He was the stand-out forward for Edinburgh in the latter part of the season and must be miffed to miss out on the tour. Having said that, it will give his body a rest for the coming season...

Andy answered: Bradbury finished the season very strongly and was a key player in Edinburgh's upward curve towards the end of the campaign.

Townsend told us on this week's Scotland Rugby Podcast that Bradbury was in the mix for the summer tour, but was ruled out due to a personal issue rather than down to form. Whether he would have made the final cut, we'll never know.

I thought Bradbury might have been in there. Likewise Hamish Watson and possibly Freddie Douglas, but Townsend said he hoped at least one Scottish back-row – most likely Jamie Ritchie or Rory Darge – might have made the Lions squad and the fact they didn't means competition is fierce in the Scotland back-row.

Doug asked: Should Franco Smith replace Townsend next year? I think Scotland need change but will we find out Gregor is exceeding our squad capability or holding us back?

If Franco were to move to Scotland head coach who could replace him at Glasgow? John Dalziel would be my favourite for the role. I think he deserves the opportunity and has done well in previous roles in the SRU and realistically we will not be going after a big name.

Andy answered: This whole situation around the big coaching jobs in Scottish rugby is both fascinating and unsettling.

Franco Smith is clearly considering his options right now. If it's the Scotland job he's after, he's got at least another year to wait until the expiry of Gregor Townsend's contract.

If after the next Six Nations we are looking at another "what might have been" campaign, I think at that stage it would time for a new approach and Smith would be the obvious candidate.

That's not to say a new coach is suddenly going to transform Scotland into winners. Ireland and France have better squads while England look to have turned a corner. No matter who's in charge, Scotland are going to be up against it to win a trophy.

If that scenario does come to pass and Smith replaces Townsend, I suspect Glasgow will look to an internal candidate to step up and and I agree that Scotland forwards coach Dalziel would be the leading contender.

He's worked his way up through the Scottish system, is well liked and respected by the players and will gain invaluable experience alongside Andy Farrell on this summer's Lions tour.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend sits down with Andy Burke to discuss his squad selections for their upcoming summer Pacific Tour.

They also discuss his future as Scotland boss as he enters the final year of his contract, as well as the opportunities that may still arise for the Scottish players that missed out on places on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

Listen and subscribe to the podcast here.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Gregor Townsend says it is too early to say if he will remain as Scotland head coach beyond the end of his current contract, which expires next year.

In the immediate aftermath of the Six Nations, in which Scotland finished fourth, Townsend said he had no plans to step down and that the job – which he has held since 2017 – "gives me a big purpose in my life".

Townsend says no discussions have taken place with Scottish Rugby over any new deal.

"If you get more into the year, those discussions would have to happen, whether they're initiated by my bosses or by myself," Townsend told the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast.

"I think there's obviously a lot of discussions around the Six Nations, the reviews of that, where we believe we need to improve, but also the longer-term future, what are the challenges coming up for Scotland and that ties in with the pathway and the longer-term strategy.

"But I feel there's a lot to be optimistic about with the current group we have, the players that are coming through and the experiences the players had this year.

"Yes, we're disappointed we didn't win more games, but I know the performances that the players are delivering are putting us in positions to beat the best teams in the world and that's a good foundation to have.

"The next step is making sure we win those games we put that effort into winning."

Townsend also expects to retain the services of his assistant, Steve Tandy, who has been linked with the vacant Wales job.

"He's a brilliant coach, he's very connected with our players, he's excited about this summer tour," he added.

"He's buzzing about working with the players again and there's nothing but speculation about him and other people that have been linked to the job outside of Scotland.

"We're very lucky to have Steve, we know that, and the players love working with him."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Former Glasgow Warriors captain Fraser Brown says it is crucial Franco Smith remains at Scotstoun, not only for the club but Scottish rugby as a whole.

Smith's contract as Glasgow head coach runs until the summer of 2026, but he has been linked with a move, most notably with the vacant Wales job.

When asked by BBC Scotland in the wake of Saturday's URC semi-final defeat to Leinster if he would still be at Warriors next season, Smith offered no guarantees and said he would "go and reflect a little bit".

"Franco's done such a fantastic job since he came in just three years ago," former Scotland hooker Brown told BBC Scotland.

"Obviously winning the league last year, but reaching a European (Challenge Cup) final as well the year before in his first year.

"He's done an amazing job, so I think it'll be important for the club to keep him around, but also for Scottish rugby.

"I think it's important to have some sort of stability with Sean Everett, I think his contract runs to the end of next season with Edinburgh. Franco's contract runs to the end of next season with Glasgow.

"Gregor Townsend's contract runs to the end of 2026 with Scotland. So there are a lot of moving parts in the next 18 months within Scottish rugby.

"I think having Franco there next year, having some sort of stability, allowing them to plan long term, is really important for the union."

As usual on a Monday, we're giving you the chance to put your burning rugby questions to our reporters, Tom English and Andy Burke.

Whether it's looking back on Glasgow's defeat to Leinster, looking further ahead to the Lions tour, or anything else Scottish rugby related, our team are ready.

Send your questions via this link and they will be answered on this page later on in the week.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Emma Wassell says the gallows humour of the Scotland dressing room is keeping a smile on her face during what she describes as an "overwhelming" return to the international camp.

After major surgery to remove a tumour that was found in her chest last September, the 30-year-old lock is now targeting August's World Cup in England after being included in the initial 38-woman training squad.

As she readjusts to the demands of international rugby, the former Loughborough Lightning star admits she's enjoying some lively locker-room banter.

"They keep me very, very humble shall I say," Wassell said.

"I get a lot of grief" Any time the tumour's brought up everyone's like; 'oh, she had a tumour? Who knew?', we joke about it a lot.

"There's a lot of banter around and any time I don't get my way, I try to say; 'guys, I had a tumour', and they're like 'shut up!', so it's pretty light-hearted."

The fact she can now laugh about it all shows not just how far she's come physically, but also mentally. Not that the reintroduction to international-level training has been easy.

"Something I've found quite overwhelming - given I've trained for three or four months myself – is to now be put back in this environment where all the girls are pushing each other and there's a level of pressure around you.

"It's been a little bit overwhelming but in the best way possible. "

Her aim now is making the final World Cup squad for a tournament she thinks could be a game-changer for Scottish rugby.

"It's the closest I'll definitely get to a home World Cup and I just think it could be huge for women's rugby in general," she added.

"For Scotland, it will really push us on a bit more in terms of growing the game."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Scots downed in Dublin… again

For a Scottish rugby player, heading for Dublin must be about as much fun as heading to the dentist – you know there's going to be pain.

No Scottish side has ever won at the Aviva Stadium and Irish rugby's haunted house spooked Glasgow into playing well below their capabilities.

Leinster were very good. There was a lot of pre-match chat about them being off the boil, but the sight of Scottish opposition on home soil was the perfect tonic.

It followed a similar pattern to many Irish v Scottish match-ups in recent times, and the hex the Irish have over their Celtic cousins shows little sign of being broken any time soon.

Warriors can be proud of title defence

Despite the disappointing finale, Glasgow can be proud of the defence they put up of their URC title in what has been a very testing season.

The injury list has been savage. Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Zander Fagerson, Scott Cummings and Jack Dempsey have all missed big chunks of the season. They're not the only ones.

It's been a struggle and Warriors have had to dig far down into their reserves to find players to step into the breach.

The fact they made it to the last four, and dispatched a good Stormers side so impressively in the quarter-finals, is an achievement in itself.

Franco Smith – will he stay or will he go?

Franco Smith looked emotionally drained when he spoke to BBC Scotland in the bowels of the Aviva Stadium after Saturday's defeat.

Long seasons away from your family, living every moment of highs and lows of a team you have invested so much into emotionally, will do that to you.

The South African was in no mood to offer any guarantees he will still be at Scotstoun next season.

Smith is clearly unhappy at the direction of travel under performance director David Nucifora with regards to player recruitment, and you wonder if the head coach perhaps feels he has done all he can at Glasgow Warriors.

Watch this space...

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

It's a sad reality that many players achieve their ultimate goal of being selected for the Lions, only to see injury snatch that dream away before they get their hands on that famous red jersey. It happens every four years.

It's particularly cruel that's it's happened to Zander Fagerson, though. He was the only Scot out of eight selected for the 2021 tour to South Africa that did not see any action in the Test series.

On the day it was announced he had been selected for this summer's tour to Australia, Fagerson spoke to BBC Scotland of how he felt he had not done himself justice four years ago, hampered by niggling injury problems, and the drive he had to go Down Under to show the best of himself.

It's heartbreaking he will not now get the chance to do that.

Image source, PA Media

Glasgow fans, we asked for your views after your side were comfortably dumped out of the URC last four by Leinster.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Robert: Having played most of the season to get into a play-off place, the drop off in form, Stormers aside, is a worry. Quality players leaving and uncertainty about Franco Smith himself doesn't fill supporters with a lot of optimism. The younger players have been great but can't be expected to produce on a regular basis against top internationals. Surely the ambition at Warriors is to build on last year's success? Season ticket sales will reflect any lack of ambition on part of the SRU.

Gus: Poor display tackling was awful. Hastings and Horne didn't gel. Can't see many of them playing for the Lions. Let themselves down.

Graeme: When Leinster are on it they are very difficult for anyone to beat. Still a really good defence of the URC by the Warriors. Big decision for the SRU this summer is what to do about Franco, personally I would love to see him in charge of the national side.

Keith: A lot of very good Glasgow players missing. However, that is not an excuse. Leinster were better on the day. Still proud of Glasgow despite the result.

Hopey: Not a great day at the office, we lacked the puff up front to get parity and our main route forward, the kick to compete, was nullified by the Leinster back three. We kicked away the possession we had. Really disappointing and surprising we did not have another plan. Leinster won and Glasgow need to find another way to compete with them. I do not see a quick fix unless we address the lack of grunt up front. Parity is all we needed, then let the backs do their stuff. Just don't kick the ball away.

Andrew: This result for us was the consequence of a sequence of injuries that left the Warriors very exposed. I also felt once the rain came on we lost heart. This was a development much more to Leinster's liking than ours. Still, we could have made a better fist of it than we did, but on the plus side a number of our younger players have been baptised and that can't be bad.

Image source, SNS

Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith admits Leinster brought "a huge performance" to end his side's title defence in the URC semi-finals.

"They are a quality outfit and, from the word go, I felt their urgency and they put pressure on us," he told BBC Scotland.

"On the day, we were not good enough, especially in the first half. We should have started better and then we wouldn't have had to chase the game and that led to more errors from our side."

Smith admits that Leinster's kicking game proved the difference.

"I don't think the strategy was wrong, they are good at the aerial battle," he added.

"But I am really proud. We had a lot of boys unavailable this week. I must look at the big picture. It was a tough task to come here and win."