Three Glasgow academy prospects selected for Commonwealth Youth Games

• 11 Jul 2023

Three of Glasgow’s young talents will represent Scotland at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games next month, after a 13-strong 7s squad was named by Head Coach Craig Dods.

All three of the prospects were named in the 2023/24 Glasgow Warriors academy intake last week, with centre Johnny Ventisei captaining the squad that will travel to Trinidad and Tobago for the multi-sport event.

The GHA product is joined in the squad by former St Aloysius team-mate Matthew Urwin, the West of Scotland fly-half having also been called up by Head Coach Dods.

Biggar RFC winger Fergus Watson completes the trio, having impressed in his outings for Scotland U18 to date.

Speaking to Team Scotland following selection, captain Ventisei said: “I’m over the moon to be asked to captain this team at Trinbago 2023.

“I’m buzzing to represent Team Scotland with the rest of the boys in a once in a lifetime multi-sport games experience in an incredible location.”

Head Coach Dods added: “We’re delighted to confirm the 13-player squad that have been selected to represent Team Scotland at the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games.

“The 13 boys will now take part in an intensive month-long programme before flying out at the start of August.

“All players selected have been part of the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy or involved with our SQ programme. Six members of the team represented Scotland at the U18 Six Nations Festival in Dublin earlier this year.

“I’m excited to see how this group of players progress in the coming weeks and watch them compete on the international stage.”

Team Scotland Rugby 7s squad for the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games:

Fergus Watson
Ben Morriss
Joe Townshend
Jack Craig
Fergus Wood
Robbie Baird
Matthew Urwin
Jack Hocking
Hugo Alderson
Johnny Ventisei (C)
Benjamin Roger
Ross Birnie
Ritchie Mitchell