Scotland U20 team confirmed for opening Six Nations match

31 Jan 2024

Scotland U20 Head coach Kenny Murray has confirmed his team that will face Wales U20 this Friday 2 February in their opening match of the 2024 Under-20 Six Nations at Stadiwm CSM, Colywn Bay (kick off 6.45pm, live on BBC iPlayer).

MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 24: Ruaraidh Hart during a Scotland rugby under-20 training session at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, on January 24, 2024, in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Flanker Liam McConnell will lead the 23-man squad from the back row, supported by second row Ruaraidh Hart and centre Geordie Gwynn as vice-captains.

Robbie Deans, who made four appearances during last year’s Under-20 Six Nations, starts at loosehead prop joined by Ollie Blyth-Lafferty who will make his U20 debut at tighthead. Hooker Elliot Young returns to the team for the first time since his debut against Ireland U20 in last year’s campaign.

Euan McVie will start alongside vice-captain Ruaraidh Hart in the second row, making his debut for the age-grade side.

Captain Liam McConnell will be joined in the back row by newcomers Freddy Douglas and Tom Currie, both of whom were regulars in the FOSROC Future XV team during last year’s FOSROC Super Series Championship.

U20 debutants Murdoch Lock and Isaac Coates will come together make up the half-back pairing, starting at scrum-half and stand-off respectively.

Amena Caqusau, who scored nine tries as part of the FOSROC Future XV outfit in the 2023 FOSROC Super Series Championship, will join Kerr Johnston as they take charge on either wings.

The centre pairing boasts plenty of experience with vice-captain Geordie Gwynn joining forces with Kerr Yule. Fergus Watson will complete the starting 15 when he dons the full-back jersey for the first time.

A six-two split will make up the bench with Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, Alex O’Driscoll, Callum Norrie, Archie Clarke, Monroe Job and Jonny Morris in place to bolster the forwards and Eric Davey and Jack Hocking available to cover the backs.

Head coach Kenny Murray said: “The team have prepared well for what should be a very competitive match in Colwyn Bay.

“We beat Wales last year at Scotstoun, but our hosts will be sure to use that as fuel to push for a win in front of their home crowd.

“The Under-20 Six Nations is always an exciting time of year for everyone involved. The players have put a lot of time and effort into their own game over the last year and we can’t wait to see them out on the pitch on Friday.“

Scotland U20 team to face Wales U20 on Friday 2 February at Stadiwm CSM, Colwyn Bay (kick off 6.45pm, live on BBC iPlayer)

15. Fergus Watson* (Glasgow Warriors)

14. Kerr Johnston* (Glasgow Warriors)
13. Geordie Gwynn (Ealing Trailfinders/Brunel University) – Vice Captain
12. Kerr Yule* (Glasgow Warriors)
11. Amena Caqusau* (Glasgow Warriors)

10. Isaac Coates* (Edinburgh Rugby)
9. Murdoch Lock (Bath Rugby/Bath University)

1. Robbie Deans* (Edinburgh Rugby)
2. Elliot Young (Exeter Chiefs/Exeter University)
3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty* (Edinburgh Rugby)
4. Euan McVie* (Edinburgh Rugby)
5. Ruaraidh Hart* (Glasgow Warriors) – Vice Captain
6. Liam McConnell* (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain
7. Freddy Douglas* (Edinburgh Rugby)
8. Tom Currie* (Edinburgh Rugby)

Replacements

16. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty* (Edinburgh Rugby)
17. Alex O’Driscoll (Saracens/Loughborough University)
18. Callum Norrie* (Glasgow Warriors)
19. Archie Clarke (Durham University)
20. Monroe Job (Southern Knights)
21. Jonny Morris* (Glasgow Warriors)
22. Eric Davey (Stirling Wolves)
23. Jack Hocking* (Edinburgh Rugby)

*FOSROC Scottish Rugby Contracted Academy Player