Dumsha Wijesinghe JadeTimes Staff
W.G.S.D.Wijesinghe is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports News
Sione Tuipulotu to Lead Scotland in Autumn Tests, Joined by Brother Mosese
Sione Tuipulotu has been named captain for Scotland’s autumn Tests against South Africa, Australia, Fiji, and Portugal. In an exciting addition, his younger brother Mosese has received his first international call up to the squad.
Returning to the team are prop D'Arcy Rae, centre Rory Hutchinson, and winger Darcy Graham, who is back after missing time due to injury since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, Glasgow's New Zealand-born fly-half Tom Jordan, who recently became eligible for Scotland, joins the squad, pushing Ben Healy out of the 45 man selection.
The squad also features three uncapped players: Alex Samuel, Ben Muncaster, and Freddy Douglas, who is yet to make his debut in the United Rugby Championship for Edinburgh. Head coach Gregor Townsend has appointed Finn Russell and Rory Darge, co-captains during the Six Nations, as vice captains for the autumn fixtures.
Several experienced players have been left out of the squad, including locks Jonny and Richie Gray, hooker Johnny Matthews, and back rowers Hamish Watson and Magnus Bradbury. Injuries have sidelined key players like Sam Skinner, Andy Christie, Cameron Redpath, and Kyle Steyn.
Due to scheduling conflicts with the international window, players based in England and France will not be available for the opening match against Fiji on 2 November. Following that, Scotland will face world champions South Africa at Murrayfield on 10 November, before playing Portugal on 16 November and wrapping up the series against Australia on 24 November.
Sione Tuipulotu, who qualifies for Scotland through his Greenock born grandmother, has earned 27 caps since joining Glasgow Warriors in 2021. His younger brother Mosese, also a centre, recently moved to Edinburgh.
"Sione has been a key leader for us over the last few years, and he thrives in the captaincy role," said Townsend. "He’s demonstrated his leadership qualities as Glasgow’s captain and when leading the team against Chile. He sets the emotional tone for the team and is a vital contributor to both attack and defence. We’ve worked to deepen our leadership group, and Sione will have strong leaders around him to support and share the responsibilities both during the week and on match day."
