Scottish Rugby

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Former Scotland centre Matt Scott has joined Edinburgh on a one-year deal, signing up for a third spell at the capital side.

The 33-year-old started his pro career at Edinburgh in 2011 and has made 94 appearances across two spells at the club.

He spent two years at Gloucester after joining in 2016 before returning to Edinburgh a first time, and then joined Leicester Tigers in 2020 where he went on to lift the Premiership title in 2022.

The Dunfermline-born back has 40 Scotland caps to his name but has not been called up since the 2021 Autumn tests.

He joins Mosese Tuipulotu, Matt Currie, Mark Bennett and James Lang in the midfield department at the Hive Stadium, with stalwart Chris Dean leaving the club in July.

Scott left Leicester earlier in the summer and was recently announced as Currie Chieftains' specialist skills coach for the 2024/25 season.

Speaking to club media, Scott said: “I feel very excited to be given the opportunity to return to Edinburgh for a third time. It will be great to lace up the boots again with some old friends as well as some new ones.

“I haven’t had the chance to play at Hive Stadium yet but, from watching it on TV, it looks like a brilliant place to play rugby. I hope to offer plenty of value to the squad having been in a Premiership winning team at Leicester, full of World Cup winners and seasoned internationals.

“The city is home for me and, having recently moved back up with my family, the opportunity to play out my final matches as a professional in my hometown is very special and I feel grateful to have been given the opportunity to do so.”

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Scotland centre Cameron Redpath will miss the start of the upcoming rugby season after undergoing surgery on a "long-standing" shoulder injury.

The 24-year-old was instrumental in Bath's run to the Premiership final last season, which they lost to Northampton Saints.

Redpath has suffered plenty of injuries already in his short career and has been plagued by a shoulder problem.

"He is currently not in squad training, instead working with Bath Rugby’s conditioning coaches and is progressing well," said Bath in a statement. "The club will be in a better position in mid-August to know for which game he will return."

It might put the centre, capped 14 times by Scotland, in a doubtful position for the upcoming Autumn tests against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal and Australia.

We asked you Scotland fans for your views on Scotland's 31-19 win over Uruguay in their final game of the summer tour.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Digby: Shocking. Argentina managed to score over 70 points against Uruguay, we let them score three tries. If this was any of the top five sides, they would have put at least 60 points on Uruguay. The SRU need to get rid of Gregor Townsend.

Stuart: The lads overall played some good rugby, nice to see the up-and-coming talent in action and get some international experience. After last weeks humiliation by Argentina, Uruguay were up for this one. An ugly win, but a win. The tour has brought several into the picture - Patrick Harrison, Dylan Richardson, Gus Warr, Arron Reed, and Josh Bayliss to name a few.

Arran: Another shaky start but ultimately when the team got into stride they played really well. They were often pulled down into playing a scrappy game which suited Uruguay more - credit to them, they bounced back really well from last week. Good end to the tour against a tough opponent!

Jim: They say it is a development tour, but the number of first-pick players in the match day squad made a decent team on paper. In truth, Scotland were awful. To have been together for so long, the last three matches tested our defence, and we were not very good. Going forward, they lacked cohesion. Tired players who have had a very long season, and it showed.

Robert: Pretty poor performance. No captain to take on-field decisions. Far too many penalties given away and far too many high tackles. All in all, not the performance wanted. Not a fluid display by any means. Scotland were lucky to get away with it.

Peter: Been an interesting tour - Scotland were close to imploding against Uruguay though. Didn’t seem to be able to change game plan when the one they had didn’t work. Subs made the difference. Adam Hastings has put his name on the 10 shirt behind Finn Russell.

Dave: A very physical game. Scotland were able to reassert themselves in the last quarter to win the match. Harry Paterson, Max Williamson and Gregor Brown showed up well and Patrick Harrison and Jamie Dobie brought a bit of energy in the second half when it was needed. Not sold yet by Ben Healy. He is a great kicker and organiser, but can he get the back line moving?

Hooker Patrick Harrison scored his first Scotland in only his second appearance in a 31-19 win over Uruguay.

Scotland battled to a 12-point victory over Uruguay in Montevideo to make it four wins from four on the summer tour of the Americas.

What did you make of the game? What about the tour as a whole?

Let us know your thoughts here. , external

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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend was pleased with the "togetherness" his side showed in their win over Uruguay on Saturday.

It was the fourth win from four on Scotland's summer tour of the Americas, but they had to battle hard in Montevideo and Townsend says he was pleased by the way the Scots overcame Uruguay's challenge.

"Look, this has been our biggest test and that’s one of the reasons we came here – to see how this team reacts when they’re under pressure, and they came through, so we’re very proud of them," Townsend said.

"The togetherness was on show there I think straight after that (third Uruguay) try we conceded.

"We had an excellent set in terms of kick-chase and put Uruguay under pressure and then we got our rewards.

"I felt the bench did well too, so it shows it’s a squad effort Test rugby, it always is.

"And while there’s some areas to improve, there’s a lot of pleasing aspects and individual performances throughout the tour and again today."

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Scotland captain Rory Darge spoke after the 12-point win over Uruguay in Montevideo:

"I think it was a great game, Uruguay were a tough side to play against.

"They made it tough for us at the breakdown which made our attack struggle to flow. We're delighted to have ground it out in the end in a fairly ugly fashion.

"It was pretty close at half-time but the bench came on and made a huge difference."

Winger Duhan van der Merwe scores his 28th international try - a new record for Scotland - in a 31-19 win over Uruguay.

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Brian Easson has named a 35-player extended training squad ahead of Scotland's two autumn test matches and upcoming WXV 2 campaign.

The squad includes most regular names, although 33-year-old front-rower Molly Wright misses out, as does young centre Nicole Flynn, who were both part of the Six Nations squad earlier in the year.

Hartpury University flanker Gemma Bell receives her first call-up after impressing for the Under-20s in the recent Summer Series, while uncapped second-row Holland Bogan, scrum-half Leia Brebner-Holden, winger Cieron Bell and fullback Lucia Scott are also named.

Jade Konkel returns from injury after missing the Six Nations, with Jenny Maxwell, Beth Blacklock and Liz Muzgrove also making comebacks.

Harlequins second-row Sarah Bonar is named after picking up a shoulder injury during the Six Nations that ended her campaign.

Youngsters Aila Ronald, Natasha Logan, Merryn Gunderson, Hannah Ramsay and Hannah Walker will also train with the squad to support their development.

The squad will be whittled down to 30 before the Scots take on Wales on 6 September and Fiji on 14 September - the first time Scotland will play Fiji in the women's game.

Scotland will then play Italy (28 September), Japan (5 October) and Australia (12 October) in South Africa as they look to defend their WXV 2 trophy.

In a backroom staff reshuffle, assistant coach Martin Haag has departed and is replaced by former Scotland hooker Fraser Brown on a consultancy basis.

Brown recently coached Watsonians in the Super Series and the Glasgow Warriors’ women's side in the Celtic Challenge, and joins the national set-up as a forwards coach.

Forwards: Leah Bartlett (Leicester Tigers), Lisa Cockburn (unattached), Anne Young (Loughborough Lightning), Elis Martin (Loughborough Lightning), Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears), Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning), Elliann Clarke (Bristol Bears), Holland Bogan (Glasgow Warriors/Stirling County), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Eva Donaldson (Leicester Tigers), Fiona McIntosh, Louise McMillan (both Saracens), Emma Wassell (Loughborough Lightning), Gemma Bell (Hartpury University/Gloucester-Hartpury), Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears), Jade Konkel (Harlequins), Rachel Malcolm (Loughborough Lightning), Rachel McLachlan (Montpellier), Alex Stewart (Edinburgh/Corstorphine Cougars).

Backs: Leia Brebner-Holden (Gloucester-Hartpury/Cheltenham Tigers), Caity Mattinson (Trailfinders), Jenny Maxwell (unattached), Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning), Beth Blacklock (Saracens), Emma Orr, Meryl Smith (both Bristol Bears), Lisa Thomson (Trailfinders), Cieron Bell (Edinburgh/University of Edinburgh), Coreen Grant (Saracens), Rhona Lloyd (GB 7s/Stade Bordelais), Francesca McGhie (Leicester Tigers), Liz Muzgrove, Chloe Rollie (both Trailfinders), Lucia Scott (Hartpury University/Gloucester-Hartpury).

Image source, Reuters

Tom English, BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

Though losing on Saturday would be an almighty shock for Scotland, Uruguay should prove to be the toughest of their summer opponents.

They went down 79-5 against Argentina last weekend but competed well in a 43-28 defeat by France before that. They were impressive in defeat against France and Italy in World Cup games last autumn.

So far on tour, Scotland have defeated Canada, the United States and Chile.

"They played France two weeks ago and then Argentina at the weekend, so they’re better prepared to play Test teams," Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said of Uruguay.

"Now, they didn't perform that well at the weekend, so that often makes it a little bit tougher for you because you know you're going to get a reaction from them.

"We've got to make sure our players look at what they did in the World Cup when they pushed France close and were leading against Italy going into the final quarter of the game.

“When they played France just recently they had opportunities to be ahead in the game. So, we're expecting a really physical team - they're strong around the tackle area, they get a lot of jackal turnovers, they come off the line in defence and they're a big pack. They scored a push over try against France 10 days ago so it will be a test for our forwards at the weekend."

Image source, Getty Images

Clive Lindsay, BBC Sport Scotland

Scott Cummings still expects "a pretty tough battle" against Uruguay this weekend despite Scotland's hosts suffering a 79-5 hammering by Argentina on Saturday.

Scotland head to Montevideo on Saturday looking for a fourth consecutive win to end their Americas Tour.

But, at 17th in the world, 11 places below the Scots, Uruguay are their highest-ranked opponents yet.

"They've been playing really well recently, Uruguay, although obviously they had a wee blip at the weekend," lock Cummings said. "They are really physical up front, they've got some good backs and we're expecting a pretty tough battle.

"We still believe, if we play our game, we'll do well. But if we get caught up in the moment and go off-script then they'll make it a tough day for us."

While some of Scotland's top players were rested for the tour, Cummings was happy to be involved - despite it coming after Glasgow Warriors' long journey to United Rugby Championship final victory and the trip meaning he has had to leave planning his summer wedding to his future wife.

"Obviously it's been a long season and especially long for us Glasgow guys and we are happy how it ended and wouldn't have it any other way," he added.

"A lot of the boys haven't had to play back-to-back games on this tour, so everyone is feeling pretty good and pretty fresh. We are still raring to go.

"Obviously it's the end of the season, so there's going to be sore bodies, but we are still excited for these games and hopefully we can sign off in a good way."

Image source, SNS

Clive Lindsay, BBC Sport Scotland

Surprises keep coming for Patrick Harrison after the Edinburgh hooker's family flew more than 7,000 miles to Chile in order to share "a special week" that culminated in his Scotland debut.

The 22-year-old's farmer father even joined him on the pitch as his side's 52-11 victory was followed by an invasion of fans to celebrate.

"Some of the fans came on the pitch and my dad was on the pitch behind me, which gave me a bit of a surprise and was pretty funny," Harrison recalled.

"My mum and dad and one of my brothers flew out on the Friday - the day before the game - so that was pretty special.

"They basically just booked the flights on the Thursday and then flew out on the Friday. It was very last minute."

It has been a whirlwind few months for Harrison, who so far has only made 15 first-team appearances for his United Rugby Championship club since joining in 2020.

Named among a group of young players taken along on Scotland's summer tour by head coach Gregor Townsend largely for experience, Harrison was brought on shortly after the break in Santiago.

"It was an exciting day and a pretty special week leading up to it and then, on the day, getting on the pitch was a good feeling," he said.

"When I got on the pitch, I just tried to do the basics. The important aspects of my game, lineouts and scrum-wise, they went pretty well, so I had a pretty solid game from my point of view.

"It was a surprise getting here, but once I have been out there, the boys have been class and, when I was told I was making my debut, it was pretty exciting."

Harrison admits it "hasn't really sunk in yet", but before he starts thinking of framing his first Scotland shirt and cap back home, he is dreaming of a first start when Townsend's side finish their tour against Uruguay in Montevideo on Saturday.

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Chris Dean has left Edinburgh by mutual consent "to explore other playing opportunities" after a decade at the club.

The 30-year-old has made the most appearances of any centre in Edinburgh's history, making his 150th game for the club away at Cardiff last season.

"This has been a difficult decision, and one I’ve not taken lightly in any way, however the time felt right for a new challenge," Dean said.

"I’m incredibly thankful to Edinburgh Rugby for their support throughout my time here, and especially for working with me and allowing me to make this decision.

"I’m immensely proud of what I’ve achieved at this club. To be the club’s most-capped centre is a huge honour, and something I’ll always cherish.

"I’ve made some incredible friends for life and played alongside some fantastic teammates over the years, while I’ll always be appreciative for the unwavering support of the Edinburgh fans. I look forward to what the future holds."

Scotland fans, we asked for your views after the convincing eight-try win over Chile in Santiago.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Lyall: Ben Healy is still yet to really impress in a Scotland jersey. Much ado was made of his signing but Adam Hastings showed what we have been missing when he came on.

David: The first 20 minutes were definitely tough for the Scots as they tried to figure out how to combat the physical Chileans. Once pick and drives close to the ruck seemed to provide a way forward the Scotland forwards grew into the game and allowed the backs to show what they can do. Classic 'forwards decide the win, backs by how much'. Great win!

David: This never felt like a proper test match and I don't think Mathieu Raynal treated it with much interest but that was in our favour. Encouraging to watch Matt Currie and Stafford McDowall. Hopefully they can pair against Uruguay. The lineout was excellent. Patrick Harrison shows great promise also. Best to say nothing about the first 20 minutes.

Kenny: A comfortable win at the end of the day. Chile a vastly improved team. Dylan Richardson looks to be a useful player. Lets hope that he remains in Gregor Townsend's plans and that we continue to use those new players in the final match next week.

Stuart: Result was much as was expected with the newer boys seeing and feeling a tougher test match! Good work from Chile to stifle the rolling maul through the match. Ben Healy, Kyle Rowe and Jamie Dobie were very good. Currie terrific as was Chris Harris. Josh Bayliss and Nathan McBeth put in a good shifts. Pleasing to see more depth in the squad.

Arran: A little slow to start with but once they got into gear after the first 20 it was really good to see the backs involved and some nice skill on show. On to arguably our toughest test in Montevideo next week!

Patrick: At times hard-fought, at times ragged, but only to be expected bearing in mind the youth and inexperience at top international level.

Image source, Getty Images

Japanese side Urayasu D-Rocks have appointed former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw as their new head coach for the 2024-25 season.

The 39-year-old played for the club between 2020 and 2023, and is now tasked with leading them into their Division One campaign.

Laidlaw won 76 caps for Scotland during his international career, and scored 714 points - the second-most in Scotland's history, behind Chris Paterson.

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Sione Tuipulotu is among seven players leaving the Scotland squad before the final Test of their summer tour against Uruguay this Saturday.

The centre, 27, is departing early to spend time with his family following the recent arrival of a new baby.

Josh Bayliss, Alex Craig, Will Hurd, Arron Reed, Dylan Richardson and Gus Warr will also miss next Saturday's Test in Montevideo.

All seven players featured in Saturday's 52-11 defeat of Chile.

Ross McCann, Elliot Millar Mills, Smith, Ross Thompson and Glen Young left the tour before the third Test in Santiago.

Lock Ewan Johnson is the only player to play his club rugby outside of Scotland remaining in the squad.

Scotland secured a third win from three on their summer tour of the Americas, with a convincing eight-try win against Chile

What did you make of their performance? Who stood out for you? Were you watching at home or are you one of the lucky few who made the trip over to South America?

We want to hear from you., external