Fergus Burke is one of two uncapped players in Scotland’s Six Nations squad – Getty Images/Bob Bradford
Fergus Burke, the Saracens fly-half who also qualifies to represent England and New Zealand, has been called up for his first involvement in a Scotland squad ahead of the Six Nations.
Telegraph Sport revealed earlier this month that the 25-year-old, recruited by Mark McCall from the Crusaders ahead of this season to be Owen Farrell’s replacement in north London, was under serious consideration by Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend for a championship call-up.
Burke, who is included alongside Bath’s Finn Russell and Tom Jordan of Glasgow at fly-half, is one of two uncapped players in Townsend’s Six Nations squad, alongside Warriors No 8 Jack Mann. Edinburgh pair Ross Thompson and Ben Healy miss out at fly-half in favour of the Saracen.
Born in Gisborne on the North Island of New Zealand, Burke is eligible for Scotland thanks to his Glaswegian grandfather. His mother, Julie, is from Dover, which also allows him to play for England.
A call-up to this Scotland squad does not rule him out of future England representation, however. Burke would need to earn a first cap to rule him ineligible for England and the land of his birth, New Zealand.
Townsend has not made many other alterations since the autumn, when Scotland were defeated by South Africa but earnt victories over Fiji, Portugal and Australia. There is a recall for Jonny Gray after the Bordeaux lock of 77 caps declined an autumn selection, while Sione Tuipulotu will continue to lead the side after captaining Scotland in November. Russell and Rory Darge remain vice-captains.
Alongside Burke and Russell, Will Hurd, Josh Bayliss and Rory Hutchinson comprise Scotland’s Premiership contingent.
Max Williamson, Adam Hastings and Kyle Steyn all miss out through injury although there is hope that the latter will be fit to play some part in the championship. That being said, Scotland are well stocked in the back three, with Blair Kinghorn, Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, Kyle Rowe and Jordan vying for three spots.
Scotland finished fourth in the 2024 Six Nations, winning two of their five matches. This year, Townsend’s side face Italy on the opening weekend, before hosting Ireland. Scotland then travel to Twickenham for the Calcutta Cup before Wales arrive at Murrayfield. Townsend’s side finish the championship with a trip to face France on Super Saturday.
Scotland’s Six Nations squad
Forwards: Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow), Gregor Brown (Glasgow), Dave Cherry (Edinburgh), Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh), Scott Cummings (Glasgow), Rory Darge (Glasgow), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray (Bordeaux), Patrick Harrison (Edinburgh), Will Hurd (Leicester), Jack Mann (Glasgow), D’Arcy Rae (Edinburgh), Dylan Richardson (Sale), Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Rory Sutherland (Glasgow), Marshall Sykes (Edinburgh).
Backs: Fergus Burke (Saracens), Matt Currie (Edinburgh), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), George Horne (Glasgow), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton), Huw Jones (Glasgow), Tom Jordan (Glasgow), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford McDowall (Glasgow), Finn Russell (Bath), Kyle Rowe (Glasgow), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (Toulon).
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
The post England-qualified Fergus Burke named in Scotland Six Nations squad first appeared on Rugby 247.
—-
Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-01-15 18:32:27
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.