Warriors’ Lions pair called up by Scotland

Duhan van der Merwe and Rory Sutherland have been named in Scotland’s squad for the forthcoming Autumn Nations Series.

Wing van der Merwe and loosehead prop Sutherland both arrived at Sixways last month from Edinburgh Rugby having toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions during the summer.

They are among 42 players named by Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend today which includes 12 uncapped players.

“It’s exciting to bring together a blend of highly experienced and uncapped players for our first week of the Autumn Nations Series campaign,” Townsend said.

“There have been some notable performances from both our home-based players and those at clubs outside of Scotland, which has enabled us as coaches to select a group which are playing well and will be motivated across the four games.

“We also feel that this the right time to bring in some younger players given their early season form. They have created opportunities for themselves to represent their country and we believe that they will thrive in the Test match environment.”

Van der Merwe has won ten Scotland caps so far with Sutherland, who made his international debut in 2016, having represented his country 16 times.

Scotland will play against Tonga, Australia, South Africa and Japan at Murrayfield on consecutive weekends starting on October 30 but van der Merwe and Sutherland will miss the Tonga match as the fixture falls outside of the international release window.

Instead the Lions pair will be available for Warriors’ Gallagher Premiership match against Sale Sharks at Sixways on Saturday October 30.

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