Scotland have named a 37-man squad for their three home Nations Championship matches against New Zealand, Australia and Japan, with Newcastle Red Bulls back-row Ollie Leatherbarrow receiving his first senior call-up.
Leatherbarrow, 24, qualifies through his Perth-born grandmother and has represented Scotland at under-16 and under-20 levels. He joined Newcastle from Exeter Chiefs in 2023 and can cover all three back-row positions.
The squad includes returning senior players Jamie Ritchie, Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe after injury layoffs. Notable omissions are Edinburgh forwards Magnus Bradbury and Freddy Douglas, despite strong club form.
Head coach Gregor Townsend said Bradbury remains motivated but the selectors are "looking for more" from the 31-year-old, while also noting Jack Dempsey's unavailability for the Six Nations opens an opportunity for Leatherbarrow.
Glasgow Warriors hooker Seb Stephen, who debuted against Fiji in July, is among three hookers selected. Experienced lock Grant Gilchrist and scrum-half Hector Patterson were left out.
Townsend added that no decision has been made on New Zealand-born full-back Josh McKay, who becomes eligible for the final Test against Japan.
Scotland host the All Blacks on 7 November, the Wallabies on 15 November and the Brave Blossoms on 21 November at Murrayfield. The Nations Championship finals take place on 28-29 November at Twickenham.
The squad comprises forwards: Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Gregor Brown, Scott Cummings, Alex Craig, Rory Darge (all Glasgow Warriors), Jack Dempsey (Toshiba Brave Lupus), Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson (both Glasgow Warriors), Jonny Gray (Perpignan), Gregor Hiddleston (Glasgow Warriors), Will Hurd (Leicester Tigers), Ollie Leatherbarrow (Newcastle Red Bulls), Nathan McBeth (Glasgow Warriors), Liam McConnell (Edinburgh), Elliot Millar Mills (Newcastle Red Bulls), Jamie Ritchie (Glasgow Warriors), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Rory Sutherland, Seb Stephen, Max Williamson (all Glasgow Warriors). Backs: Fergus Burke (Saracens), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow Warriors), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), George Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints), Huw Jones (Toulon), Tom Jordan (Bristol Bears), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford McDowall, Kyle Rowe (both Glasgow Warriors), Finn Russell (Bath), Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn, Sione Tuipulotu (captain, all Glasgow Warriors), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (Toulon).
