Tuipulotu named vice-captain for France encounter

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JULY 26: Sione Tuipulotu during a Scotland rugby training session at the Oriam, on July 26, 2023, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

This is the first time Tuipulotu has fulfilled this role, from the 17 times he has been selected for Scotland to date. He previously fulfilled the vice-captaincy for Scotland A against Chile in 2022.

Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, will continue their centre partnership for the sixth time in national colours, having started all five Guinness Six Nations games together this year. Following those games the pair were named in the championship’s Team of the Competition.

The centres are joined by nine other Glasgow Warriors in the match day 23 at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

As Head Coach Gregor Townsend continues preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, he has made 13 changes to the starting line up. Of the two players retained,  Glasgow Warriors back-row player Matt Fagerson moves from number eight onto the openside flank.

The other Glasgow Warriors coming into the starting line-up are: tighthead prop Zander Fagerson who makes his first appearance since the Guinness Six Nations, and the 26-14 victory over Italy in March; second row Richie Gray also making his first appearance since the Six Nations; and number 8 Jack Dempsey, who’s in line to wins his tenth cap. They join Matt Fagerson in the pack.

Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, and Ollie Smith remain in the match day 23, but this time from the bench. Jamie Bhatti also retains his place on the bench. Finally, the Glasgow contingent is rounded off with the inclusion of scrum-half George Horne. This is Horne’s first involvement since the 35-7 win over Wales in February.

Scotland play France this Saturday (5 August, 3.15pm), and then Georgia (Sat 26 Aug, 5.30pm) in The Famous Grouse Nations Series at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. Secure your tickets here.

Scotland team to face France in The Famous Grouse Nations Series on Saturday 5 August at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, kick-off 3.15pm, live on Amazon Prime:

1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby) – 21 caps
2. Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh Rugby) – 7 caps
3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) – 58 caps
4. Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) – 73 caps
5. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) – C – 62 caps
6. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) – 34 caps
7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 57 caps
8. Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) – 9 caps
9. Ben White (RC Toulon) – 14 caps
10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby) – VC – 69 caps
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) – 28 caps
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors) – VC – 16 caps
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) – 36 caps
14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby) – 34 caps
15. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) – 44 caps
    

    Replacements

16. Dave Cherry (Edinburgh Rugby) – 8 caps
17. Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) – 30 caps
18. WP Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) – 54 caps
19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) – 26 caps
20. Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors) – 8 caps
21. George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) – 20 caps
22. Cam Redpath (Bath Rugby) – 6 caps
23. Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors) – 4 caps