Rugby
Townsend backs Tuipulotu as Scotland captain─── MORGAN PIEK 08:20 Tue, 29 Oct 2024
The Scotland coach, Gregor Townsend, believes the time is right for the Glasgow Warriors centre, Sione Tuipulotu, to lead the Scottish international team.
The 27-year-old Australian-born player was named as the Scottish captain for Tests against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal, and Australia.
Tuipulotu was very instrumental in the Warriors, winning the United Rugby Championship earlier in the year when they beat the Bulls 21-16 at Loftus Versfeld, while he played a big part in their win 28-17 against the Stormers in Stellenbosch on the weekend.
The former Scotland flyhalf, Townsend, said Tuipulotu is definitely the right man for the job. “Sione has been one of our key leaders over the last couple of years and thrives in that leadership role,” said Townsend.
“We’ve seen that in his outings as Glasgow captain and when he had the opportunity to lead the team against Chile a few months ago.
“He often sets the emotional tone and mindset required for the team and he also contributes significantly to both our attack and defence.
“Last season we looked to deepen our leadership group and we now have a number of people who could step up as captain.
Sione Tuipulotu. Photo: inpho.ie
“Sione is aware that he will have leaders around him to offer support and share the leadership responsibilities needed throughout the week and during the game.”
Scotland will face Fiji on Saturday, while next week on Sunday they tackle the Springboks at Murrayfield.
The Test between the Scots and World Champions in Edinburgh will kick off at 18:10 on 10 November.