Sione Tuipulotu Named Scotland Captain for Autumn Tests

Sione Tuipulotu has taken on the role of captain for Scotland in the upcoming autumn Tests against South Africa, Australia, Fiji and Portugal. This moment is significant as his brother, Mosese Tuipulotu receives his first call-up to the national team. The squad also welcomes back prop D’Arcy Rae centre Rory Hutchinson and winger Darcy Graham, who has sidelined himself due to injury since the 2023 World Cup.

New Zealand-born fly-half Tom Jordan has recently become eligible and has replaced Ben Healy in the 45-man squad. Head coach Gregor Townsend has included uncapped players Alex Samuel, Ben Muncaster and Freddy Douglas, who has yet to make his debut in the United Rugby Championship for Edinburgh. Former co-captains Finn Russell and Rory Darge will serve as vice-captains during these November fixtures.

Notably, the squad does not include experienced locks Jonny and Richie Gray as well as hooker Johnny Matthews and back-row forwards Hamish Watson and Magnus Bradbury. Injuries have also kept Sam Skinner, Andy Christie, Cameron Redpath and Kyle Steyn from participating. Additionally, players based in England and France will miss the opening match against Fiji on November 2 as it falls outside the international window.

Sione Tuipulotu, who qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother from Greenock has earned 27 caps since joining Glasgow Warriors in 2021. Coach Townsend praised Tuipulotu for his leadership skills, stating that he sets the emotional tone for the team. He emphasized that Sione will have strong leaders around him to share the responsibilities throughout the week and during matches showcasing a deepened leadership structure within the squad.