Scottish Rugby

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Gregor Townsend thinks his side's win over the Maori All Blacks put "a marker down" for the rest of the summer tour, as they prepare to take on Fiji and Samoa.

The Scots were pushed all the way in the uncapped international, dragging victory out of the fire with a huge defensive set to deny their hosts a late score.

"It's a marker put down from a group of players," Townsend said. "I was just so proud of the effort tonight, especially at the end of the game.

"That effort at the end - 28 or 29 phases in defence, a man down, defending your goal line... the players showed what playing for Scotland means for them."

Although they didn't win caps, Townsend handed debuts to three players - tighthead prop Fin Richardson, number eight Alex Masibaka, and Kiwi-born stand-off Fergus Burke.

"[Alex] has lit up our training sessions, he's got a real point of difference. I loved how confident he was today, taking quick taps, being physical in defence.

"[Fergus] was excellent when he came on, from a defensive point of view. Him and Jamie Dobie were two people really involved in that counter ruck that got us the ball back.

"Even though [Fin] is not getting a cap, that was a Test match today, up against a quality side. The front row did a really good job, grew in confidence as the job went on."

Up next for the Scots is Fiji in Suva, before a return to New Zealand where they play Samoa at Eden Park in Auckland.

"We know next week is a tougher challenge, we're playing a team ranked in the top 10 in the world, who've got unbelievable individuals throughout their side, playing at home in a lot warmer conditions than we had today," the head coach added.

"But it's a great way to start the tour and if we can see that effort, that physicality from the players next week, that alignment in how we want to play on this tour, then it should set us up."

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Stand-in captain Stafford McDowall believes Scotland "might have lost that game" in the past, as his side held on for a famous victory over a relentless Maori All Blacks side.

The Scots had a 17-point lead at one stage in the second-half but saw that gap close to just three points by the full-time whistle.

"Two teams chucking it all at each other for 80 minutes," was how McDowall described it. "You could see at the end, just from all the bodies.

"I'm just massively proud of the shift from the boys to dig in at the end against a real good team."

The Maoris had the visitors camped on their own line with the clock dead, but a huge defensive effort from Scotland turned the ball over and won the game.

"We talked at half time that we'd put ourselves in a good position to lead but we knew the Maoris would come back and chuck everything at us," McDowall added.

"They did that and we probably lost control for 20 minutes, and in the past we might have lost that game but proud of the boys for digging in and getting the job done."

The Glasgow Warriors centre, 27, skippered in the absence of tour captain Rory Darge who was rested before games against Fiji and Samoa.

"We looked at this first game as an opportunity to launch this tour off to a good start. We're really proud of the effort of the boys, but also it's just a privilege to play here against this boys in front of a packed crowd."

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Scotland scrum-half Ali Price has signed for French side Montpellier after leaving Edinburgh.

Price, 32, made his international debut in 2016 and has represented Scotland on 71 occasions.

He joined Edinburgh from Glasgow Warriors in 2023, but the capital club confirmed in April he would depart for an opportunity "overseas".

Price now moves to the Top 14, signing a deal until 2027.

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Stafford McDowall says "it'll be weird" facing former Glasgow team-mate Cole Forbes when Scotland take on the Maori All Blacks this weekend.

Forbes spent two-and-a-half years at Warriors and received a call-up for Scotland's summer tour squad in 2021, only for the games to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"He could easily be on this tour for us," said Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.

But, Forbes, who is back playing in New Zealand for the Auckland Blues, will instead line-up on the wing for the Maori All Blacks against the Scots in Whangerei on Saturday.

"It'll be weird facing up opposite him," said McDowall, who will captain the Scotland side.

"I'm good mates with him, so it'll be a really cool experience.

"The haka and everything that comes with that as well, getting to be on the other side from Cole will be a funny, but an unbelievable experience.

"I'm sure we'll put the friendships aside for 80 minutes and then we'll hopefully have a beer together afterwards."

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Gregor Townsend says no decision will be made over his future as Scotland head coach during the summer tour.

Scottish Rugby CEO Alex Williamson suggested last month he expected to have "really positive" conversations with Townsend when he accompanied the squad on the tour in New Zealand and Fiji.

But Townsend, whose current deal expires next year, says his sole focus is on preparing the side to face the Maori All Blacks in Whangarei on Saturday, rather than his own contractual situation.

"It's not something that tends to get discussed when we're in campaigns," he said.

"We don't have the time, really, and the focus is on making sure we prepare the team as well as we can this week and over the next two weeks.

"It's not something I've thought that much about. A lot goes into preparation for a tour and then on tour.

"There'll be plenty of time to discuss whether Scottish Rugby feel that they want me to continue and also what I want to do at the end of my contract. But it won't be something that will be decided over the next few weeks."

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

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Tries from Duhan van der Merwe and Huw Jones - in addition to four conversions from Finn Russell - contributed to a "statement win" for the British and Irish Lions against Queensland Reds, says former tourist Scott Hastings.

Andy Farrell's side "tidied up" a sticky start to romp to a second tour victory with "confidence", added ex-Scotland centre Hastings.

"We're only two games into the Lions tour but without doubt, a lot of focus has been on Russell and his half-back partner Jamison Gibson-Park," 1989 and 1983 Lions tourist Hastings told BBC Radio Scotland.

"They played really well together. Russell is a running fly-half at number 10, and he got that running line good, while his kicking was excellent.

"Van der Merwe is undoubtedly very strong, and while he made a couple of mistakes in the first half, he's a strong runner and finished well with a good try.

"I felt Jones maybe wasn't at his flashiest best, but he was very solid in his performance. He scored, too, so tick marks in the positive box for him.

"It was a game that was littered with mistakes in the first half, but the Lions tidied up. I think that's a statement win on their tour. I think there's a real confidence within the Lions.

"As the tour moves on, a lot of the players will have put down markers for that Test spot for Saturday, 19 July."

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Glasgow Warriors "feels like the best possible" for Scottish-qualified stand-off Dan Lancaster, who has signed a two-year deal at Scotstoun.

Son of former England head coach Stuart, the 24-year-old spent last season with French side Racing 92, making 25 appearances - including against Franco Smith's side in Glasgow.

Though born in Leeds, Lancaster, who is comfortable at fly-half and both centres, represented Scotland at U18 level alongside Jamie Dobie and Rory Darge.

Head coach Smith said his versatility will be "a real asset" in the squad.

Lancaster said he had "heard many great things" about the club and told his agents it was "where he wanted to go".

"It all happened pretty quickly, to be honest," Lancaster told club media.

"I found out I wasn't being kept on by Racing, and one evening shortly after that I got a call from Franco about potentially coming to Glasgow. After that call, I phoned my agent and told them that Scotstoun was where I wanted to go.

"I played against Glasgow for Racing last year, so I saw first-hand the intensity that the club brings with and without the ball – they're a proper team.

"I've heard so may great things about the club and about Franco and the coaching team, and Lucio [Sordoni] told me how special a place it is, so it feels like the best possible place for me to develop as a rugby player."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Marshall Sykes aims to use Scotland's summer tour to put himself "in the spotlight" as he chases more Test caps.

The Edinburgh lock, 25, made his Scotland debut against Tonga in 2021 but had to wait three-and-a-half years for his second cap, coming on as a replacement against France in this year's Six Nations.

As Scotland gear up for their tour opener against the Maori All Blacks in Whangerei on Saturday, Sykes is keen to make every moment count that he gets on the field.

"It's just about getting yourself in the spotlight," said Sykes

"Now I've got myself over here, it's about what I do with it. So I suppose the onus kind of comes to me.

"The coaches, they're pretty clear with what they want. The tour is a real opportunity, especially while, for instance, in my position, you've got Scott Cummings away [with the Lions].

"It's a chance to put your stamp on the jersey and see what you can do there. I'll be just giving my all each week to try and get myself in this squad long term."

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Scotland's Chloe Rollie will play for Rugby Club Toulon Provence Mediterranee in France next season.

The full-back, 30, leaves Trailfinders, having joined a year ago.

Rollie said on Instagram she had "thoroughly enjoyed" her time in Ealing.

"I am gutted to be leaving so quickly as I think this team is going to go places," she added.

"An opportunity that I didn't think would come my way has, so for me personally, I think it's the right choice and time to take it."

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Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors have discovered their opponents for the pool stage of the 2025-26 Investec Champions Cup.

Glasgow have been handed a tough draw as they will face with three-time winners Saracens and record six-time champions Toulouse in Pool 1, as well as Sale Sharks and Clermont Auvergne.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh also have a challenging group of opponents in Pool 2, with Premiership champions Bath, who won last year's Challenge Cup, joining Gloucester, Castres and three-time winners Toulon.

Each team will play four different opponents in the pool stage, but not teams from their own league, with fixtures still to be announced.

Champions Cup draw in full

Pool 1: Toulouse, Clermont, Sharks, Saracens, Glasgow Warriors, Sale Sharks

Pool 2: Bath, Toulon, Munster, Castres, Edinburgh, Gloucester

Pool 3: Leinster, Leicester Tigers, Harlequins, La Rochelle, Bayonne, Stormers

Pool 4: Bordeaux-Begles, Scarlets, Bristol, Pau, Northampton, Bulls

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Ben Muncaster says Scotland must be prepared to face an "extremely passionate" Maori All Blacks side in Whangerei on Saturday.

It is the first meeting between the sides since 2000. On that occasion, the hosts edged a tight battle 18-15 in New Plymouth.

Muncaster is expecting a similarly tough encounter this weekend.

"One of the main things is they're going to be extremely passionate and play with a lot of freedom, especially being at home," said the Edinburgh back-row.

"They're going to be seriously up for it, so we're going to have to relish the occasion, the experience, and just play our game.

"It's purely a privilege to be able to go to the other side of the world and play some rugby. I'm just really excited."

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Callum Hunter-Hill's return to Edinburgh will bring "further physicality to the pack", says head coach Sean Everitt.

The 28-year-old lock has penned a two-year deal after departing last season's Champions Cup finalists Northampton Saints.

On his return, Hunter-Hill, who spent two seasons at Edinburgh between 2017 and 2019, said: "I'm absolutely buzzing and very grateful to be back at Edinburgh. It's a club that means a huge amount to me.

"Edinburgh's always been home and I'm proud to be part of it again. There's a brilliant group there. Having watched from afar, especially last season, the team is so well poised to make an even bigger step forward next year.

Edinburgh head coach Everitt added: "We're thrilled to welcome Callum back. He's a quality player with significant experience at the top level, featuring in some really important games for both Saracens and Northampton Saints."

"He brings real quality to our set-piece with his ability to call the lineout, and his size and toughness will bring further physicality to the pack."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Ben White was unfortunate to miss out on the original British and Irish Lions squad and is fully deserving of his late call-up, says Scotland coach Fergus Pringle.

After an injury against Western Force on Saturday ended Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams' tour, Andy Farrell drafted White in from Scotland's summer tour in New Zealand to link up with the Lions squad.

"Ben's one of the players who was probably close to getting picked initially and just missed out," said Pringle, who is coaching the forwards to cover the absence of Lions assistant John Dalziel.

"He was really consistent over the Six Nations and over the season, so everyone knew he deserved an opportunity.

"It happened pretty quickly. Andy Farrell phoned Gregor [Townsend] and then the next thing this morning, Gregor's telling the team and the boys are buzzing and cheering and then Ben's off and we're off to the pitch to go and get training.

"So I think Ben was probably just as shocked and surprised as anyone. He was almost shaking when he found out and it was just great to see the reaction of the boys, and also his reaction was good."

Pringle says other players who narrowly missed out on Lions selection will know they could also have an opportunity to join the tour, as White has, if they perform in Scotland's three matches against the Maori All Blacks, Fiji and Samoa.

"The big thing that stood out to me coming in is how much the staff and everyone wants the players to get that opportunity and how excited they are for the guys to get that opportunity," Pringle said.

"So I think there are definitely players on this tour who were close, like Ben, to getting in.

"We know the Lions tour is a lot, or any tour is a lot, there's always going to be injuries, as we've seen already.

"So it could easily happen again. That's just the game, isn't it?"

Meanwhile, Sale Sharks' Gus Warr will have the chance to add to his two Scotland caps after being called up as a replacement for White.

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Scotland's Blair Kinghorn sealed his second Top 14 title with Toulouse before he sets off to join the British and Irish Lions squad touring Australia.

The 28-year-old started on the left wing at the Stade de France and played all 100 minutes in a thrilling final against Bordeaux Begles.

Thomas Ramos kicked two extra-time penalties for a 39-33 success to seal a third successive crown for Toulouse - and a record-extending 24th overall.

Star full-back Ramos slotted 24 points in an absorbing game in the sweltering Paris heat.

Toulouse's tries came from Jack Willis (2) and Anthony Jelonch, with Damian Penaud, Matthieu Jalibert and Guido Petti touching down for Bordeaux.

Scotland lock Jonny Gray featured as a very late replacement for the runners-up in an epic encounter.

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Sione Tuipulotu insists the British and Irish Lions must continue to shrug off any prodding during their tour of Australia after their overseas-born player were called out by the Tannoy announcer at Optus Stadium.

Tuipulotu, one of eight players in Andy Farrell's squad who were born, raised and educated in the southern hemisphere, was among those caught in the crosshairs before Saturday's 54-7 rout of Western Force.

"Another Aussie at number 12, Sione Tuipulotu," was how the Scotland centre was introduced when the team was read out for the Lions' opening match on Australian soil.

Mack Hansen, James Lowe and Pierre Schoeman were also referenced by the nation of their birth rather than their adopted country, for whom they have qualified either through residency or family heritage.

It continued a theme from the hosts that began when Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt described Tuipulotu and New Zealand-born Ireland international Bundee Aki as a "southern-hemisphere centre partnership" in the build-up to the defeat by Argentina in Dublin.

Tuipulotu emphasised the words "good humour" when brushing aside the dig that he expected on his return to his homeland.

"I knew there would be some 'good humour' coming back home to Australia. These are all things we've got to take in our stride," he said.

"To not announce the elephant in the room, I am from Australia. I was born here. I don't know how funny that gag is to everyone!

"I'm loving my rugby playing for the Lions and I'm really passionate about it. Andy's brought the group together so well."

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Rhona Lloyd has moved back to the PWR to join Sale Sharks, while fellow back-three player Lucia Scott has moved to Loughborough Lightning.

Lloyd, 28, has spent the last few seasons in France with Stade Bordelais but now returns to the UK, having previously spending time with Loughborough Lightning.

The winger has scored 25 tries for Scotland in 57 caps and will expect to add to that number at the upcoming World Cup.

Another potential member of that squad is 21-year-old full-back Lucia Scott, who has moved to Lightning from Gloucester-Hartpury.

The 21-year-old has five caps for Scotland and scored her first try in 2024 against Fiji.

In recent years, she has made more appearances for Edinburgh in the Celtic Challenge than Gloucester-Hartpury, occasionally appearing on the wing.

She joins Scotland teammates Anne Young, Elis Martin, Becky Boyd, Leia Brebner-Holden, and Helen Nelson at the club.

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Five Scotland stars were involved in the British & Irish Lions tour-opening victory over the Western Force in Perth, with Huw Jones making his debut.

Pierre Schoeman, Scott Cummings, Finn Russell and Sione Tuipulotu were all in from the start while Jones entered in the 55th minute.

Russell was making his first start of the tour, having missed last weekend's loss to Argentina after guiding Bath to the Premiership title in England.

He started in fine fashion, as his cross-kick helped set up captain Dan Sheehan's opening try, before almost scoring a fine solo effort with a disguised tap-and-go in the 35th minute, popping up for Elliot Daly to score when he himself was held short.

Tuipulotu was shifted from outside to inside centre and looked slightly more comfortable in partnership with Garry Ringrose. He's the only player to play every minute of the tour so far.

Eagle-eyed fans also noticed that Welsh scrum-half Tomos Williams limped from the field after his second try, seemingly nursing a hamstring injury.

Lions' head coach Andy Farrell has said it's "too early to know" what the impact will be, but Scotland's Ben White will surely be high in Farrell's thinking if a new number nine is needed.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Alex Masibaka says facing Fiji in a Scotland jersey this summer would represent "a full circle moment" as he aims to make his debut on the international stage.

The 23-year-old back-rower qualifies for the Scots through his Paisley-born mother, but could just as easily be in the white Fijian jersey given his father's heritage.

"I'm very excited," said Masibaka, ahead of Scotland's trip to Suva in the middle of two matches in New Zealand.

"My mother's, she's Scottish and my dad's Fijian, so it'll be a full circle moment for me and my family.

"We're trying to get my parents over and I've got family in Fiji as well who will try to come down for that Fiji game and yeah, it's going to be huge."

Masibaka plays for French side Montpellier but spent last season on loan at Pro D2 side Soyaux-Angouleme and was a shock call-up to the Scotland squad during the Six Nations.

Although he did not manage any game time, the number eight admitted that even being called into the wider squad by Gregor Townsend came as something of a surprise.

"I was a bit shocked at first, to be honest," he said. "I was just sitting on the couch talking to my mum on the phone while she was at work and just got the call and instantly just froze.

"I was just like, 'wow, this is real'. But I had to quickly shape up and come prepared and it's everything I dreamed of.

"I felt like a new kid. Honestly, I was a bit nervous. I know there's some superstars in here and the first person I met was Finn Russell.

"I was very nervous talking to him, but he was just very humble and very good to talk to.

"I'm just trying to learn off the other boys and try to be a sponge and take as much as I can from the team and try to bring it into the next training session. That's my focus at the moment."