Tait to lead Scotland U20

New Scotland U20 Head Coach Kenny Murray has named Glasgow Warriors prospect Rhys Tait as his captain for the upcoming U20 Six Nations, as a 30-man playing group prepares to pull on the famous dark blue jersey.

FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy flanker Tait is one of six Glasgow talents selected in Murray’s squad, having impressed with his all-action style in his FOSROC Super6 outings with Boroughmuir Bears in 2021.

All six of the prospective future Warriors return to the squad having represented Scotland in last season’s U20 Six Nations, with the competition returning to its regular slot in the calendar having been delayed until June in 2021 due to COVID-19.

Stirling County second-rower Max Williamson joins Tait in the forwards selected by Murray, the University of Strathclyde student having represented Glasgow Warriors in The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Challenge against Newcastle Falcons back in September.

Behind the scrum, Christian Townsend is included after helping Ayrshire Bulls to the 2021 FOSROC Super6 title, the youngster equally adept at either fly-half or inside centre.

Euan Cunningham is also included amongst the backs, having captained Glasgow Warriors to U20 1872 Cup success over Edinburgh back in November.

Winger Ross McKnight joins Stirling County club-mate Cunningham in the back division, six months on from making his U20 debut in the 2021 U20 Six Nations in Cardiff.

Mike Gray completes the Glasgow contingent, the Boroughmuir Bears man having turned out in both midfield and on the wing in last season’s competition.

There is also a call-up for centre Duncan Munn, who has been invited to train with Glasgow Warriors in recent weeks having caught the eye for Boroughmuir Bears in the 2021 FOSROC Super6.

Scotland open the 2022 U20 Six Nations at home to England on Friday 4 February, with kick-off at 8pm at the DAM Health Stadium.

All of Scotland’s Under-20 Six Nations matches will be broadcast in the UK on BBC iPlayer.

Scotland U20 Head Coach Kenny Murray said: “Having just stepped into this role I have been impressed by the players commitment intensity and skill-set during our camp this week.

“I watched a lot of the FOSROC Super6 last year and have had the chance to work with some of these players in the Glasgow Warriors setting already, so I know what they are capable of.

“The squad had a difficult time down in Cardiff last year, although it was challenging for them it does mean that 14 players now have the experience and knowledge of playing international rugby and they know how to better prepare for what is to come this year.”

Scotland Squad for 2022 Under-20 Six Nations

FORWARDS

Mikey Jones* (Heriot’s Rugby / Edinburgh Rugby)
Tom Banatvala (Durham University)
Ali Rogers** (Glasgow Hawks)
Callum Norrie** (Strathallan School)
Olly Frostick (Ealing Trailfinders/Henly Hawks)
Gregor Hiddleston (GHA)
Patrick Harrison* (Edinburgh Rugby)
Duncan Hood (Bath University)
Max Williamson* (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)
Josh Taylor (Ealing Trailfinders)
Jake Spurway (Durham University)
Tim Brown (Glasgow Hawks)
Rhys Tait* (Boroughmuir Bears/Glasgow Warriors) CAPTAIN
Innes Hill (Ealing Trailfinders)
Olujare Oguntibeju (Ealing Trailfinders)
Matt Deehan (Newcastle Falcons)
Ollie Leatherbarrow (Exeter University)

BACKS

Murray Redpath (Newcastle University)
Jonty Cope (Durham University)
Jed Gelderbloom (Edinburgh Rugby)
Christian Townsend* (Ayrshire Bulls/Glasgow Warriors)
Euan Cunningham* (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)
Duncan Munn** (Boroughmuir Bears)
Mike Gray* (Boroughmuir Bears/Glasgow Warriors)
Ben Salmon** (Stirling Wolves)
Andy Stirrat** (GHA)
Ross McKnight* (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)
Ben Evans* (Heriot’s Rugby/Edinburgh Rugby)
Ollie Melville (Newcastle University)
Robin McLintock (Montpellier)