Scotland named a 37-player squad for November’s home Nations Championship fixtures, with Newcastle back-rower Ollie Leatherbarrow the only uncapped selection. Sione Tuipulotu remains captain. Gregor Townsend’s group prepares to face New Zealand, Australia and Japan at Murrayfield before the finals weekend at Twickenham. The announcement identifies the preparation group rather than a starting team for any individual match.
Scotland’s national rugby team named 37 players for its home Nations Championship fixtures in November. Ollie Leatherbarrow, a back-row player at Newcastle, is the only uncapped member of Gregor Townsend’s group. Sione Tuipulotu continues as captain. The selection comprises 21 forwards and 16 backs, bringing experienced internationals together with one player awaiting his senior debut.[1], [2]
Leatherbarrow qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother from Perth. He previously represented the country at under-16 and under-20 level, began his club career at Exeter Chiefs and moved to Newcastle in 2023. In midfield, Townsend can choose from Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Rory Hutchinson and Stafford McDowall. Finn Russell, Tom Jordan and Fergus Burke provide the fly-half options.[1]
The home programme opens against New Zealand on 7 November, followed by Australia on 15 November and Japan on 21 November. Scotland hosts all three at Murrayfield before the competition moves to Twickenham for the finals weekend on 28 and 29 November. Those pairings depend on the hemisphere standings across July’s fixtures and the November programme. The 37-player selection leaves individual match-day teams to be announced.[1]
