A 26 strong Scotland U20 squad has been announced for a development game against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park tomorrow [Saturday] afternoon.
The group consists of 15 forwards and 11 backs, and the game will be played under conditioned rules as both teams will use the game as an opportunity to look at a wider group of players ahead of the 2023 Under-20 Six Nations.
Players in contention for the Scotland U20 Six Nations squad selection have trained through the autumn with either Edinburgh Rugby or Glasgow Warriors U20 sides ahead of the U20 1872 Cup which ended in a draw last month.
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This weekend’s fixture marks the third of three Scotland U20 camps during the last month month before players and management return in January ahead of kicking off the 2023 Under-20 Six Nations against England at Twickenham Stoop on Friday 4th February, kick-off 7pm.
Scotland U20 Squad to travel to Wales this weekend –
Forwards: Craig Davidson (Watsonians RFC), Max Surry (Cardiff Met University), Robbie Deans* (Watsonians/Edinburgh Rugby), Moby Ogunlaja (Glasgow Hawks), Tyler Harvey (Hartpury College), Harry Silman (Cardiff Met University), Jerry Blyth-Lafferty* (Boroughmuir Bears), Harris McLeod* (Stirling Wolves/Glasgow Warriors), Ruaridh Hart* (Glasgow Hawks), Alistair McCallum (Currie Chieftains), Munro Job* (Selkirk RFC), Jonny Rutherford* (Currie Chieftains), Rudi Brown* (Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby), Tom Currie* (Merchiston Castle School), Sam Derrick* (Southern Knights).
Backs: Eric Davey* (Glasgow Hawks), Murdock Lock (Bath/Bath University, Luke Townsend* (Melrose RFC), Harris Rutherford* (Gala RFC), Kerr Yule* (Glasgow Hawks), Murray Wilson* (Gala RFC), Findlay Gilmour (Ealing Trailfinders/Brunel University), Ben Evans* (Heriot’s Rugby/Edinburgh Rugby), Kerr Johnston* (Boroughmuir Bears), Andrew McLean* (Glasgow Hawks), William Robinson (Caldy RFC).
*Donates FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy supported player
Scotland’s fixtures in the 2023 Under-20 Six Nations –
- Friday 3 February: England v Scotland, Twickenham Stoop KO 7pm GMT
- Friday 10 February: Scotland v Wales, Scotstoun Stadium KO 7:15pm GMT
- Friday 24 February: France v Scotland, venue tbc, KO 8pm GMT
- Friday 10 March: Scotland v Ireland, Scotstoun Stadium, KO 7:15pm GMT
- Sunday 19 March: Scotland v Italy, Scotstoun Stadium, KO 2pm GMT
Another Townsend .cmon
Hope it’s on ability and not on connection this time
Wouldn’t count on it …. Watched him a bit and pretty average , will struggle at 20’s but in Academy setup so nobody else will get a look in …
That’s what’s wrong in Scottish rugby .
It’s who you Know .irrespective of ability .
That’s what scunners a lot of young laddies with ability who never get a look in
Being related seems to open the doors to many with limited ability .
Once they’re in it’s virtually impossible to get out
Not close enough to it to know for sure, but is there regular turnover within the Academy set-up, with players being asked to leave to make way for others outside the Academy that may have surpassed them? No way will all those selected aged 16/17 still be the best there is by the time they are 18/19.
@GreenHawk
there are regional academies mainly for younger (stage 1 and stage 2) players. They don’t all make it and there are comings and goings
Normally U20 players will all be stage 3 (or playing outside Scotland). Stage 3 (who are all allocated to one of the pro teams and train with them) have had a lot invested in them but some will be cut after one season.
So yes, no guarantees that any lad will make it all the way. But some potential stars will be missed – no system is ever perfect
Interesting squad, because there are some nailed-on starters included – e.g. Brown, Derrick, Evans – but there are a significant number of players, likely to be included in 6 nations squad not included – D King, F Douglas, L Jarvie, B Salmon, D Munn, A Thom, M Russell, R Simpson, F Burgess, B Afshar, A Rogers, J Lascelles, C Tait, C Norrie, J Spurway, L McConnell, I Hill, R Gordon, S Wallace.
Presumably it has to do with managing injuries, game time, and giving a wider squad an opportunity to present their credentials for inclusion.
Good luck lads. Interesting to see that neither of the teenage Glasgow based wingers (Caqusau/Darroch) that are towards the top of the Premiership try scoring table feature.
this is a “wider squad”. Chance to look at some and a chance for them to make the 6N squad. There are a few missing who will definitely be in the 6N squad I think