Tuipulotu named vice-captain for France encounter

Glasgow Warriors centre Sione Tuipulotu will be one of two vice-captains, under fly-half Finn Russell’s leadership, this Saturday (5 August at 3.15pm) when Scotland face France in The Famous Grouse Nations Series.

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.