A look at the 5 uncapped players in the Scotland squad

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend named five uncapped players in his squad of 39 to tackle the 2022 Six Nations. 

The Scots commence their campaign with a cracking clash against England at Murrayfield on 5 February. 

“When you look through the squad this is the most competitive I’ve seen it in so many areas and that’s testament to the strength and depth we have. 

“We are able to call-up several new players into the squad such as Andy Christie, Kyle Rowe and Ben White. We have been aware of all of the uncapped players for a while now and recently they have all experienced a breakthrough in terms of their performances at club level. 

“A key part of the squad selection was rewarding form and that definitely applies to Ben Vellacott and Rory Darge who have been excellent for their clubs this season. 

“We’re delighted to be able to include Cameron Redpath in the squad after missing the last few months with injury. He managed to get a game under his belt prior to the squad selection so we’ll see how he performs for Bath and in our training over the next couple of weeks. 

“The Guinness Six Nations is the best competition we have in rugby so to be involved in it is a real privilege, especially starting with our oldest rivals in front of a sold-out home crowd.” 

Andy Christie (Saracens) 

Powerful back-rower Christie has represented Scotland at U16, U18 and U20 level and currently plies his trade with Saracens in the England Premiership. 

Christie spent the 2018 season in New Zealand where he gained valuable experience before returning to London.  

He now has just over 20 Saracens appearances but it is clear that he is a player of significant talent who will be an asset in the Scotland set-up. 

Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors) 

The name of former Scotland U20 representative Rory Darge was not a surprise amongst the squad of Scotland’s elite players.  

The flanker has been in fantastic form for Glasgow of late and could not be ignored by Townsend.  

Kyle Rowe (London Irish) 

The London Irish flyer joined the Premiership club in preparation for the current season and his sublime finishing skills coupled with solid defence out wide have rendered him too good to overlook as the Six Nations.   

Ben Vellacott (Edinburgh) 

At 26, Vellacott is the oldest potential debutant in the squad. However, the Edinburgh scrumhalf brings with him useful experience and skill. 

Before joining Edinburgh, Vellacott racked up 49 caps for Gloucester and 20 for Wasps. He has represented Scotland at U17, U18 and U20 levels. 

Ben White (London Irish) 

The second Exile of the new crop of players is live-wire scrumhalf Ben White. 

White is not short on experience with 71 caps for Leicester and 13 for London Irish under his belt. He will have his work cut out for him as competition for the scrumhalf berth in the England squad is stiff, but the opportunity is there for the taking.  

White is a former England U20 captain.