Newcastle Red Bulls back-rower Ollie Leatherbarrow has secured his first senior call-up to the Scotland national team, selected by head coach Gregor Townsend for the upcoming Nations Championship home fixtures against New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. The 24-year-old, who qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother’s heritage in Perth, brings youthful energy to the squad after representing the country at under-16 and under-20 levels. Having started his professional career at Exeter Chiefs before joining Newcastle in 2023, Leatherbarrow’s selection marks a significant milestone in his rapid ascent through the ranks of international rugby.
Gregor Townsend’s 37-man squad surprises with Edinburgh omissions and injury returns
The 37-strong squad announcement was defined by notable omissions and timely returns, as in-form Edinburgh forwards Magnus Bradbury and Freddy Douglas were left out of the selection. Conversely, Townsend prioritized experienced depth by including senior trio Jamie Ritchie, Darcy Graham, and Duhan van der Merwe, all of whom have recently recovered from injuries. This strategic mix aims to balance veteran leadership with fresh legs, ensuring Scotland is prepared for the physical demands of hosting three high-profile international matches in quick succession.
Key positions remain stable, with Glasgow Warriors’ Seb Stephen, who made his debut against Fiji in July, named as one of three hookers. Notably, influential back-rower Jack Dempsey retained his place despite his summer transfer from Glasgow to Japan’s Toshiba Brave Lupus, signaling Townsend’s confidence in his impact. As Scotland prepares for these pivotal Nations Championship encounters, the squad composition reflects a calculated approach to blending emerging talent like Leatherbarrow with proven performers to challenge the Southern Hemisphere powerhouses.
Source: Yahoo Sports
