Overview
- Gregor Townsend announced the 36‑man Nations Championship squad on Tuesday, June 9, selecting two uncapped Glasgow Warriors hookers, Gregor Hiddleston and Seb Stephen, alongside established hooker Ewan Ashman.
- Scotland will play Argentina in Córdoba on July 4, South Africa in Pretoria on July 11, and host Fiji at Murrayfield on July 18 as part of the condensed three‑match tour.
- Jack Dempsey was included despite his move to Japan and Townsend said he expects Dempsey to remain involved with Scotland for the coming campaigns and into World Cup preparations.
- Glasgow Warriors dominate the squad with 19 players selected, several players sit close to cap milestones and Duhan van der Merwe, D’arcy Rae and Liam McConnell will join after Barbarians fixtures in late June.
- Townsend described the itinerary as a tougher, World Cup‑style test that will force quick recovery and adaptation, and the pick reflects load management with senior names such as Blair Kinghorn, Huw Jones and Grant Gilchrist rested or omitted.