Warriors pair Duncan Weir and Cornell du Preez have been named in Scotland’s 40-strong squad for the Autumn Internationals which include the conclusion of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations and the new Autumn Nations Cup.
Fly-half Weir had re-established himself in Scotland’s squad before the lockdown caused by COVID-19 and won his 28th cap off the bench – but his first since joining Warriors – in the win over France at Murrayfield in March.
Back-row forward du Preez also won his first cap as a Warrior – and his seventh in all – as a replacement in the defeat by Ireland in Dublin in February.
“We are very much looking forward to coming back together as a coaching and playing group after such an unprecedented and challenging period in our sport and across society in general,” said Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend.
“There was a strong feeling that we were growing as a team during the Six Nations earlier this year, making progress from game-to-game as well as building closer bonds within the squad. Our aim is to keep this momentum going as we take on Georgia and Wales before competing in the Autumn Nations Cup in November.
“The squad we have selected is formed by the majority of the players we worked with in the Six Nations alongside players who have grabbed their opportunity in the past few weeks and have been in form for their respective teams.
“Given the lack of games since March, there will be opportunities for players out-with the squad to break into our group over the next few weeks, but for now the focus is on this group that will be in camp from tomorrow. It will be great to see some familiar faces, welcome a few back into our squad and also introduce some new players to Test match rugby.”
Scotland begin their autumn test matches at BT Murrayfield against Georgia – who have added former Warriors’ Back Coach Neil Doak to their coaching team – on Friday October 23 before facing Wales in Llanelli on October 31 in the rescheduled 2020 Guinness Six Nations fixture.
The newly formed Autumn Nations Cup begins in November with Scotland in Pool B alongside France and Fiji who they will play at BT Murrayfield as well as an away Test against Italy.