4. Alex Samuel (Glasgow Warriors)
The first of two Glasgow Warriors that occupy the uncapped Scotland hopefuls, 21-year-old lock Alex Samuel is progressing at an impressive rate. With Richie Gray’s time in the Scotland squad winding down, following the news of his upcoming transfer to Tokyo Verblitz, Townsend will be looking to the future when identifying his engine room. Samuel has been impressive for Glasgow, since making his debut in the 2022 URC.
Samuel has proven his ability to pack down the Warriors scrum, having partnered up with Gray throughout Glasgow’s triumphant 2023/24 URC campaign. Samuel started in five out of his nine appearances last season, as the Warriors reached the URC mountain top. Despite not being involved in the play off festivities of South Africa season finale, Samuel did enough to impress Gregor Townsend, with all eyes turning to the lock for a Test debut.
5. Tom Jordan (Glasgow Warriors)
Rounding off this shortlist is a New Zealand born fly half, with Scotland fans excited to see what Tom Jordan will bring to their national side. There is a definite Australasian flair to the new Scotland back-line, with Jordan and one of the Tuipulotu brothers a likely combination for Townsend’s side. Born in Auckland, Jordan played for Hamilton Boys High School, before moving to Scotland to pursue the professional game.
Jordan began his Scottish days in 2019 with Ayrshire Bulls, before getting the call-up for a spot on the Glasgow Warriors squad list. The midfielder’s URC career began in 2022, with a debut against Benetton on the first day of the new season. Jordan started at fly half for the Warriors in Glasgow’s URC title triumph over the Bulls, and has also proven his ability as a ball-playing 12. Townsend must be delighted to have Jordan eligible for Scotland, with plenty expected of the title winning halfback on the Test match stage.
