Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has named his highly anticipated squad for the 2025 Scotland autumn internationals, featuring an exciting mix of experience and fresh talent. Notably, the squad includes three uncapped forwards: Alexander Masibaka, Liam McConnell, and Harri Morris, signaling Scotland’s intent to deepen their player pool and introduce new faces ahead of a challenging international series.
The autumn series will see Scotland compete in four high-profile matches: against the United States on 1 November, rugby powerhouse New Zealand on 8 November, Argentina on 16 November, and Tonga on 23 November. These fixtures provide Scotland with an opportunity to test their squad against a range of international opposition while integrating emerging talents into the team structure.
Alexander Masibaka: The Powerhouse Number Eight
Australia-born number eight Alexander Masibaka, currently playing for Montpellier, qualifies to represent Scotland through his Scottish mother. Masibaka has previously impressed in a non-cap international against the Maori All Blacks in July and is now poised to make his official international debut.
Townsend praised Masibaka for his explosive running, remarkable strength, and relentless work rate, highlighting the attributes that make him a valuable asset in Scotland’s forward pack. His experience in French club rugby brings additional physicality and tactical awareness to the squad, offering versatility in Scotland’s back row.
Liam McConnell: Edinburgh’s Rising Star
Liam McConnell, a back-row forward for Edinburgh Rugby, has earned his first senior call-up following a breakthrough season. Townsend lauded McConnell’s commitment, passion, and consistency on the field, describing him as a player who embodies the pride and fighting spirit required for international rugby.
McConnell’s inclusion strengthens Scotland’s options in the back row, providing the team with agility, defensive resilience, and attacking potential. His dynamic style of play complements the experience of senior forwards, ensuring Scotland can adapt to different game scenarios throughout the autumn series.
Harri Morris: Physicality and Aggression at Hooker
Harri Morris, Edinburgh’s hooker, has also been selected for the squad, making him another uncapped talent ready to step onto the international stage. Known for his aggression, physicality, and tactical acumen, Morris consistently demonstrates a “Test match mentality” that Townsend believes will benefit Scotland in high-pressure situations.
Morris’s technical proficiency in the set-piece, along with his ability to contribute around the field, provides Scotland with a reliable option at hooker. His inclusion underscores the coaching staff’s emphasis on integrating young talent capable of competing at the highest level.
Senior Leadership and Key Returns
While Scotland introduces three uncapped players, the squad also features experienced campaigners. British and Irish Lions centre Sione Tuipulotu will captain the side, bringing leadership and composure to the backline. Meanwhile, Edinburgh skipper Magnus Bradbury, last capped in 2022, returns to add experience and guidance for the younger players.
Townsend emphasized the competitive nature of selection, noting that Scotland’s squad depth has grown over recent years, with many talented players vying for international opportunities. “A lot of players are coming to their prime years,” Townsend said, “and in certain positions, the quality runs deep, so some excellent players have missed out on this squad.”
Scotland Squad Overview
The 2025 Scotland autumn internationals squad features a balance of experienced internationals and promising newcomers:
Backs: Fergus Burke (Saracens), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow Warriors), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints), George Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Tom Jordan (Bristol Bears), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford McDowall (Glasgow Warriors), Kyle Rowe (Glasgow Warriors), Arron Reed (Sale Sharks), Finn Russell (Bath), Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors), Kyle Steyn (Glasgow Warriors), Ross Thompson (Edinburgh), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (Toulon).
Forwards: Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh), Gregor Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Patrick Harrison (Edinburgh), Nathan McBeth (Glasgow Warriors), Alexander Masibaka (Montpellier), Liam McConnell (Edinburgh Rugby), Elliot Millar Mills (Northampton Saints), Harri Morris (Edinburgh), Andy Onyeama-Christie (Saracens), D’Arcy Rae (Edinburgh), Dylan Richardson (Edinburgh), Jamie Ritchie (Perpignan), Alex Samuel (Glasgow Warriors), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby), Rory Sutherland (Glasgow Warriors), Marshall Sykes (Edinburgh), George Turner (Harlequins), Murphy Walker (Glasgow Warriors), Max Williamson (Glasgow Warriors).
The squad reflects Scotland’s strategic approach of combining experienced internationals with emerging talent to ensure the national team is well-prepared for both immediate competition and future development.
Key Takeaways
- Three uncapped players – Masibaka, McConnell, and Morris – highlight Scotland’s focus on nurturing new talent.
- Senior leaders like Sione Tuipulotu and Magnus Bradbury provide guidance and experience.
- The autumn internationals offer a challenging platform against the USA, New Zealand, Argentina, and Tonga, testing Scotland’s depth and versatility.
Scotland fans can expect an exciting blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned leadership as the team embarks on the 2025 autumn internationals campaign.
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