Scotland announce South Pacific tour squad under Darge

Scotland have confirmed their 36-man squad for an upcoming summer tour to the South Pacific and New Zealand, marking the national team’s first visit to the region in over two decades.

The tour, set for July, will see Scotland face the Maori All Blacks, Fiji, and Samoa in a demanding three-match schedule across diverse conditions and fierce rugby cultures.

The journey begins on 5 July with a historic clash against the Maori All Blacks in Whangarei, only the third time Scotland will face the side.

The tour continues with a significant encounter in Suva, where Scotland will play Fiji on 12 July—their first test match in Fiji since 2017.

The final fixture takes place in Auckland at Eden Park on 18 July against Samoa, wrapping up a tour that promises high-intensity rugby and crucial international exposure.

Leading the squad will be flanker Rory Darge, who has been entrusted with the captaincy following his shared leadership role during the recent Six Nations alongside Finn Russell.

Darge’s elevation reflects his growing stature within the team and a clear vote of confidence from the coaching staff, as Scotland looks to solidify leadership depth ahead of future international campaigns.

In line with a vision to develop new talent, head coach Gregor Townsend has included three uncapped players in the squad.

Stand-off Fergus Burke, back-row forward Alexander Masibaka, and prop Fin Richardson have been given the nod, each bringing promise and potential in positions that require depth and competition.

Experienced hooker George Turner returns to the fold after a season in Japan, reinforcing Scotland’s front row. Joining him is Matt Fagerson, who makes a comeback from injury and is expected to provide much-needed versatility and grit in the loose forward department.

Scotland squad:

Backs: Fergus Burke, Matt Currie, Jamie Dobie, Darcy Graham, Adam Hastings, George Horne, Tom Jordan, Cameron Redpath, Stafford McDowall, Harry Paterson, Arron Reed, Kyle Rowe, Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn, Ben White

Forwards: Ewan Ashman, Josh Bayliss, Gregor Brown, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge (c), Grant Gilchrist, Patrick Harrison, Cameron Henderson, Alec Hepburn, Will Hurd, Alexander Masibaka, Nathan McBeth, Elliot Millar Mills, Ben Muncaster, Andy Onyeama-Christie, Fin Richardson, Jamie Ritchie, Rory Sutherland, Marshall Sykes, George Turner, Max Williamson