Scotland adds three players ahead of Six Nations clash with England

Scotland bolsters squad with three players as Darcy Graham and Finn Russell’s availability remains uncertain for the Six Nations match.

Scotland's Darcy Graham in action against Italy's Tommaso Menoncello at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 29, 2023. Photo by Lee Smith/Reuters

By Yuni Utomo and Randy Ahmad

As Scotland prepares for their Six Nations match against England this Saturday, the national team has bolstered its squad with three key additions. British & Irish Lions scrumhalf Ali Price, wing Ross McCann, and centre Cameron Redpath have been called up as Scotland continues to assess the fitness of Darcy Graham and Finn Russell.

The team travelled to Spain at the weekend to begin preparations for their upcoming encounter at Twickenham, where they will face England in what promises to be a pivotal match. The inclusion of Price, McCann, and Redpath follows a series of injuries and player changes in the lead-up to the game.

Scottish Rugby confirmed in a statement on Monday that the trio has joined the squad, replacing the injured Matt Currie, who was concussed during Edinburgh’s recent match against Zebre in the United Rugby Championship (URC). In a further adjustment, Alexander Masibaka has been released from the squad and returned to his club after being dropped.

Scrumhalf Ali Price returns to the squad

Ali Price, who has been capped 68 times for Scotland, was notably absent from the team for the opening two Six Nations matches against Italy and Ireland. However, following a facial injury sustained by scrumhalf George Horne in Glasgow’s URC victory over the Dragons on Sunday, Price has been added to the squad.

While Horne will only be available for selection if club doctors approve his fitness, the decision to bring Price into the fold ensures Scotland is prepared for any eventuality.

Ross McCann and Cameron Redpath join the squad

Centre Cameron Redpath, who recently returned from injury, has proven his fitness by playing in Bath’s last two matches. His recovery has placed him in contention for a spot in the squad, and his addition provides Scotland with vital depth in the midfield.

Wing Ross McCann also joins the squad as a precautionary measure, providing cover on the wing. His inclusion adds flexibility to the team and ensures that Scotland is fully equipped to face England’s potent attacking threats.

Darcy Graham and Finn Russell’s fitness in question

While Price, McCann, and Redpath have been added to the squad, the availability of key players Darcy Graham and Finn Russell remains uncertain. Both players were involved in a head-on collision during Scotland’s 32-18 loss to Ireland earlier this month. Graham, who was carried off the field after receiving lengthy treatment, and Russell, who passed his Head Injury Assessment but was not allowed to return to the game, are both still recovering from their injuries.

The pair has been progressing through the World Rugby concussion protocols, with the hope that they can return to full training later this week. However, whether they will be fit to play against England remains to be seen.

Graham’s club coach at Edinburgh, Sean Everitt, expressed doubts about his recovery timeline. “I don't think Darcy would be able to return to the field within 12 days, but fortunately for us, the scans came back clear,” Everitt said last week.

Scotland will continue to monitor Graham and Russell’s progress and make decisions based on their readiness for the upcoming clash.

With the added depth of Price, McCann, and Redpath, Scotland will be prepared to face England, regardless of whether Graham and Russell are fit to play. However, the uncertainty surrounding their availability adds an element of suspense as the team looks to secure a crucial victory in their Six Nations campaign.