Scotland’s rugby team for the upcoming Rugby World Cup has been announced. The team, led by captain Jamie Ritchie, will consist of 33 players for the tournament in France in September. The team selection was based on consistency, which resulted in only two uncapped players in training – Cameron Henderson and Stafford McDowall. Richie has 41 caps, making him one of the most experienced players on the team.
Townsend selected 23 forwards for the team, with Flanker Rory His Dirge being among them despite missing the Nations due to injury. Winger Darcy He also Graham returned as one of the 18 backs, and both bring valuable experience to the team. Four of the players, WP Nell, Grant Gilchrist, Finn Russell, and Stuart Hogg, have won three Rugby World Cups between them.
Seven players from Glasgow Warriors are part of the team, while nine players are playing outside Scotland. The team will play France, Italy, and Georgia during the Famous Grouse Nations Series in July and August, and they will face South Africa, Ireland, Tonga, and Romania in Pool B before their vital match against world champions South Africa.
Tickets for the matches start at £10 for adults, £5 for seniors and U18s, and children under 12 can enter games for free with an adult ticket (reservation fee applies).
The team consists of 23 forwards, including Ewan Ashman, Jamie Bhatti, and Rory Durge from Glasgow Warriors, as well as Stuart McInally and WP Nell from Edinburgh Rugby. The team has 18 backs, including Chris Harris from Gloucester Rugby, Adam Hastings and Stuart Hogg from Exeter Chiefs, and Finn Russell from Racing 92.
With such an experienced and well-balanced team, Scotland has strong chances of making a lasting impression in the upcoming Rugby World Cup.