Scotland call up uncapped trio for Quilter Nations Series as Magnus Bradbury prepares for first cap since 2022

Gregor Townsend has called up uncapped forwards Alexander Masibaka, Liam McConnell and Harri Morris into Scotland’s Quilter Nations Series Squad.

Scotland face USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga in a packed November and Townsend has taken the opportunity two years out from the World Cup to input some new blood, alongside the experienced old guard.

Hooker Morris previously represented Scotland U20 and also was included in the Scotland A side that defeated Chile last November.

Morris’ Edinburgh team-mate McConnell, who has started at blindside flanker in three of the club’s four URC matches this season, was also involved against Chile.

Australian-born Masibaka, who qualifies for Scotland through his mother, featured off the bench in the win over Maori All Blacks in July.

Speaking on the 24-year-old No. 8, Townsend said: "[Alexander Masibaka has] now been involved in the past two campaigns.

"[He] played really well against Maori All Blacks and has started the season very well for Montpellier.

"His explosive running, his power and also his work-rate are key attributes that can add to our squad."

In McConnell and Masibaka, Scotland welcome two new back row options to their squad, but they also recall an old figurehead in Magnus Bradbury after the No. 8 impressed as Edinburgh captain.

Bradbury has scored two tries in three games this season, including a late score in the 43-0 demolition of Benetton on Friday night.

With the 30-year-old in line for a first cap since 2022, Townsend said: "Magnus has played really well now for a number of months.

"He's grown into a leader over the last few years. He's going to get an opportunity now and it's great to have him back."

A notable omission is British and Irish Lions centre Huw Jones, who misses out through injury, with Bath’s Cam Redpath was not called up to replace him.

Townsend will have Gallagher Prem stars Rory Hutchinson of Northampton Saints and Tom Jordan of Bristol Bears, as well as Glasgow Warriors’ Stafford McDowall to choose from, alongside captain Sione Tuipulotu in the midfield.

Aside from the injury to Jones, Townsend has a settled and stable squad as he looks to avoid a third consecutive group stage exit at the 2027 World Cup.

Speaking on the age profile of the squad, he said: "A lot of players are coming to their prime years.

"Over the last couple of years, players outside the squad have had that chance to get into the group but it's very competitive now.

"In certain positions, there's quality all the way through and some very good players have missed out on this squad."

Scotland begin their campaign on November 1 against USA, which can be watched live on TNT Sports and discovery+, as well as all other Quilter Nations Series matches.

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)

Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM, Quilter Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+