As the autumn leaves begin to fall, the spotlight shifts to Gregor Townsend’s Scotland squad, as they prepare to face a series of formidable opponents in the Autumn Nations Series. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, Townsend’s 36-man group aims to build on their recent successes and once again make a strong statement on the international stage.
The Scotland head coach has named five uncapped players within his squad, that will be led by their new captain Sione Tiupulotu. A trio of the new talents are from the capital city club of Edinburgh Rugby, with Glasgow Warriors providing two additional players that are out to make their mark in the famous tartan and blue. Here are the five uncapped players in Gregor Townsend’s Scotland squad, for the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.
1. Mosese Tuipulotu (Edinburgh Rugby)
Mosese Tuipulotu joins his brother Sione in the Scotland squad, having been a stand-out in his short time at the Edinburgh Hive. Without a doubt one of the most exciting young talents Townsend has at his disposal, the Australian born centre gets the international call-up after just four appearances in the United Rugby Championship. There is a genuine possibility that the Tuipulotu brothers could unite in Scotland’s midfield, in what would be a formidable pairing for any Southern Hermisphere opponents.
Prior to joining Edinburgh, Mosese Tuipulotu came through the ranks with the New South Wales Waratahs. He made his debut for the Australian side in the 2023 Super Rugby season, as he exploded off the bench against the Fijian Drua. Tuipulotu has made three starts in the Edinburgh 12 shirt since arriving in the Scottish capital, and will be looking to roll this momentum over into a Test debut alongside his brother and new national skipper.
2. Ben Muncaster (Edinburgh)
Having proven his value on the international stage with the Scotland U20s, and more recently as apart of Scotland A, Ben Muncaster is eager to progress on for a senior cap with Gregor Townsend’s side. A versatile back row forward, Muncaster is well equipped to run out on the flank or in the number eight spot, which provides Townsend with plentiful options to unleash the 23-year-old next month.
A North Berwick native, Muncaster’s professional career actually began to the south of the border, as he was on the Leicester Tigers books from 2018. However, the debut never materialised at Welford Road, with Muncaster returning to Scotland with his move to Edinburgh in 2020. Muncaster made his debut for the capital city club in the against Zebre Parma in the Rainbow Cup, and has since accrued 34 caps and six tries for Edinburgh.
3. Freddy Douglas (Edinburgh)
Reinforcing the youthful exuberance within the Scottish back row ranks, 19-year-old Freddy Douglas is an exciting name included in Gregor Townsend’s squad. Most recently a star of the Scotland U20s set-up, Douglas looks set for a fast-track into the senior squad, or at the very least gain valuable national team camp experience that he can bring back with him to Edinburgh.
Douglas had the number seven tattooed upon his back, for the Scotland U20s recent U20 Six Nations campaign The loose forward started every match on the openside flank for Kenny Murray’s side, yet was unable to get on the winning side of a result. Despite not having the most success with the Scotland U20s, Douglas has certainly proven his worth at age grade level, and will look to utilise this momentum for a senior debut this Autumn.
