GUINNESS SIX NATIONS PREVIEW | 2020

#AsOneRUGBY WORLD CUP 2023DRAW |DUNCAN TAYLOR | EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS | | SCOTTISH RUGBY’S NEW DIGITAL MAGAZINE The A YEAR LIKE

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ISSUE #3 The list of contents in the full Issue #3 of “The Front Row” are listed below. If you like what you see in this sample and want to see the full edition, please SIGN UP FOR and buy a NEVIS or a MACDUI membership now.

Huw Jones 5 Back in the international mix and raring to go for 2021

Royal Bank RugbyForce 8 Helping Scottish youngsters stay on the pitch

Scotland in 2020 16 A look back at the year that was for Scotland Men

Duncan Taylor 19 The Scotland centre looks back on an unusual calendar year

Debutants 29 Editor Who were the new faces in an unprecedented series of Stuart MacLennan Autumn matches? Design Gemma Law Zander Fagerson 35 Graphics Having fun is one of the keys to national success Laura Chessar, Rory MacColl Commercial Mhairi McComish Guinness Six Nations 39 Emma Rogers, Anna MacLeod A quick look at the 2021 championship Photography SNS Group CONTENTS

SCOTTISH RUGBY BT Murrayfield, EH12 5PJ 0131 346 5000 | scottishrugby.org | @scotlandteam

THE FRONT ROW AUTUMN NATIONS CUP 2020 3 TAYLOR GLAD TO BE BACK IN THE RECKONING

A player with as much undisputed talent as Duncan Taylor would have earned far more than his 28 caps were it not for a succession of injuries since a 2013 debut against Samoa in Durban. That quadrangular tournament, played At club level, Taylor has been part of an all- entirely in , ushered in the conquering Sarries set-up, winning both the internationals careers of several Scottish Premiership and European Champions Cup players including Alex Dunbar, , titles on multiple occasions; his pedigree , Fraser Brown and Taylor, speaks for itself. amongst others. As a difficult year – on all fronts – draws While the likes of Seymour, Brown (both to an end, he retains a spirit of hope and with over 50 caps) and Horne (45) went on to enthusiasm that perhaps belies a man who win many more caps, Saracens back Taylor has suffered with hamstring, ankle and has seen his career punctured by a number shoulder problems amongst others. of injury frustrations, yet his availability for Taylor said of his own 2020 experience, selection has always urged incumbent Head which has also included the relegation of Coaches to include him in their squads, Saracens from the English top flight after such are his qualities. breaking wage ceilings: “It’s been a bit of

It’s been a bit of a “whirlwind, really, this past year. With the stuff happening around Saracens as well, it’s been a bit of carnage. It’s been a year full of madness but it’s been AVAILABLE NOW AT SHOP.SCOTTISHRUGBY.ORG quite enjoyable. OR AT THE OFFICIAL SCOTTISH RUGBY STORE, BT 0131 346 5044 OR AT THE OFFICIAL SCOTTISH RUGBY STORE, 44 QUEEN STREET - G1 3DX

THE FRONT ROW AUTUMN NATIONS CUP 2020 5 bit of a transitional phase in Scottish rugby. These young guys coming through are full of energy and full of talent and it’s great to see. I think the balance that we’ve got at the minute is brilliant, between the experienced heads and the younger guys. Obviously we’ve lost some big characters over the year or so [the likes of Grieg Laidlaw, John Barclay and Tommy Seymour] and their boots are very hard to fill but I think the guys that have come up into those senior roles have done a great job and there’s a great atmosphere amongst the squad. I think Scottish rugby is in good hands over In action against France in this season’s Autumn Nations Cup the next few years.” An elder statesmen of sorts, at the age a whirlwind, really, this past year. With the of 31, Taylor has more than enough time stuff happening around Saracens as well, on his side to feature at the 2023 Rugby it’s been a bit of carnage. It’s been a year full World Cup, although his involvement in of madness but it’s been quite enjoyable. I the here and now of the Autumn Nations think myself and any team that I’ve been a Cup is something not lost on the Scot: part of have made the most of the situations “Considering the circumstances that we’re we’ve been in so far. in at the minute, with the way the world is and what’s going on around us, it’s been a “Through thick and thin the rugby privilege for us to get out and train and play community has come together; I think and we’ve been able to do what we love the world has come together and there’s which has been great,” he added. been a lot of good that’s come out of this pretty terrible situation we’ve been in this past year.” Back in the Scotland saddle, he came off the bench against France in the Autumn Nations Cup and started the final match with Ireland in , occasions that retain the same excitement and pride seven years after that first . He added: “I think any time you get an opportunity to play, you want to play well and you want to obviously In centre partnership with Sam keep coming back for more. That’s the aim Johnson against Georgia in 2019 of any player that gets the opportunity to play in the jersey, so that doesn’t change. Whenever you get that chance you need to I think everyone has been very try and take it with both hands and do the jersey proud. grateful for the opportunity “I think all of the new faces that have come to play in the Autumn Nations in have been great additions to the squad Cup, I think it makes for a good and it’s been an exciting time watching a “ tournament.

THE FRONT ROW AUTUMN NATIONS CUP 2020 7 SCOTTISH YOUNGSTERS ARE WINNERS AS ROYAL BANK HELPS CLUBS TO GET RUGBY READY

ROYAL BANK RUGBYFORCE HELPS SCOTTISH YOUNGSTERS STAY ON THE PITCH

This year has reinforced the importance of sport and activity, and Royal Bank RugbyForce has supported community clubs to keep on playing. The muddy kits, dirty knees and smiling faces of kids running around a rugby pitch is VOLUNTEERS WILL HAVE A KEY ROLE TO PLAY a welcome distraction in 2020. “On the back of being allocated hero status, Royal Bank RugbyForce is helping clubs to confidence, promote wellbeing, team The grassroots initiative run by Royal Bank our mini’s section has seen a massive get rugby ready but they need volunteers effort and togetherness at Jedforest.” of Scotland in association with Scottish upsurge in children starting to play rugby to muck in and help. Rugby is designed to help clubs up and Unable to welcome Scotland international in Jedburgh,” says David McKay, Jed Mini’s down the country to attract and retain When restrictions are eased, clubs will be players to visit this year, both clubs were Convenor. members, develop their facilities and be asking their community and grassroots delighted to meet , Stuart more sustainable for the future. “We’ve had a 15 per cent increase in player supporters to come to their assistance for McNally and Emma Wassell on a Zoom registrations within the junior members a special RugbyForce day. call. Challenges posed by the pandemic made section and we now have almost 100 boys the support of RugbyForce even more Royal Bank have supported clubs They’ve also had personal video messages and girls playing rugby every Sunday. welcome. Each year, clubs across Scotland throughout the Autumn to look at their of support from Scottish internationalist can benefit from funding, new kit, guest “This is particularly important given that finances and help manage their income Fraser Brown and Scotland captain Stuart appearances and expertise. very few sports are able to open their doors with the RugbyForce Financial Toolkit. Hogg, which they can use to encourage to children at this time due to the Covid more young players to sign up and take In 2020, two Hero Clubs were chosen – Look out for details at your rugby club and crisis.” part in rugby. Jedforest RFC and Loch Lomond RFC – each sign up to take part to support your local picking up £1000 prize funds and support David says the funds, tools and expertise community. “The social media and public exposure that Royal Bank RugbyForce brings to for a “return to rugby” event. Community that RugbyForce brings to grassroots rugby “In the Scottish Borders, rugby is the main grassroots rugby is immensely important, events at each club remain on hold, but it is a massive boost at such a difficult time. sport – the rugby following is huge and in especially at this time,” added David hasn’t stopped them going from strength to Jedburgh there’s a real community spirit McKay. strength. that we’re keen to preserve. “It further boosts our club’s profile and “Our club is focussed on giving players hopefully encourages more children to a fun and safe introduction to rugby, play rugby.” which we hope will see players transition through all elements of the club game. Iain Norrie, the club captain at Loch Lomond, agrees: “Being able to play “Royal Bank RugbyForce helps support and remain involved in sport has been this commitment and, collectively, we massively beneficial for our kids’ physical are doing our best to increase player self- and mental health this year.”

8 LEADERSHIP . ENGAGEMENT . ACHIEVEMENT . ENJOYMENT . RESPECT THE FRONT ROW AUTUMN NATIONS CUP 2020 9 In partnership POWERING to inspire the CONVERSATIONS next generation. Scotland captain, Rachel Malcolm, recently caught up Women in Sport. Women in Engineering. with World Champion and Team We’re delighted to be continuing our support for Scotland Women! GB wheelchair racer, Samantha Kinghorn, for the next episode of Powering Conversation with SP Energy Networks. Kinghorn first became involved in para athletics in 2011, a year after she suffered a serious spinal injury following an accident on her family’s farm in the Scottish Borders. Since then, the 24-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rugby. It’s so brutal! I spent most of the time rise through the ranks, having competed on my back!” on the world’s stage at the Rio Paralympics Kinghorn discusses her career highlights in 2016 and then becoming double World so far, how preparations are going ahead Champion in the 100m and 200m at the of the Tokyo Paralympics next year and World Championships in 2017. also how she first became involved in She is also the current World record holder motivational speaking. over 200m and European record holder over Powering Conversation with SP Energy 100m, 400m and 800m. Networks will feature inspiring women from “My entrance into the world of sport was the world of rugby and beyond. Hosted by quite different to most people,” she said. “I Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm, the series broke my back which left me paralysed from will reach outside the typical discussion the waist down when I was 14 years old. on women’s sport and provide more of an insight into the journeys and lives of “So while I was in hospital, I went to a thing the guests. called the Spinal Unit Games and I tried out every adapted sport you have ever Look out for our next episode with heard of in your life. I had no idea that all Samantha Kinghorn in the new year. You these sports could be adapted. I remember can watch the latest episode with Scotland’s playing ‘murder ball’ which is wheelchair most capped player, Donna Kennedy, on scottishrugby.org now.

While I spent my time in hospital, my physio noticed that I could Be part of our squad. be pretty good at sport. I always loved sport before my accident Join the conversation: so she thought it would be a good opportunity for me to meet other people who had been going through the exact same things @SPEnergyNetworks “ that I had been going through. @SPEnergyNetwork THE FRONT ROW AUTUMN NATIONS CUP 2020 11 TOWNSEND SIGNS NEW SCOTLAND DEAL THROUGH TO 2023

Scotland Head Coach will lead his country into the 2023 Rugby World Cup after signing a new contract for a further two years. Townsend took on the Scotland role in 2017 team has been fantastic, especially during and becomes Scotland’s longest serving the difficulties of the past year with Covid, Head Coach of the professional era with this knowing how much of a lift the country gets extension to his current agreement. when the national team is successful.” The former Head Coach “We have a very talented and hard-working has been at the helm for 40 Tests at the group of players, with growing depth in a conclusion of the 2020 Autumn Nations number of positions. We will be putting all Cup, with 22 victories and a draw equating our efforts into unlocking that potential to a 55% win percentage to date, and had and helping our players deliver their best previously taken Scotland to its highest performances when they come together for place in the world rankings of fifth in our future campaigns.” 2017/18 season. Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Townsend has restructured the Scotland Dodson, said: “I am really pleased we can coaching group following the 2019 Rugby continue to have Gregor lead the Scotland World Cup, laying the foundations for a five- team over the next couple of years and into match unbeaten run during 2020. the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Under Townsend in 2019, Scotland also “I’ve been impressed with how Gregor has retained the for the first time refocussed his approach over the last 12 since 1983 after victory over England in 2018 months following the disappointing results at BT Murrayfield and a thrilling 38-38 draw at the RWC 2019 and believe he the right man at Twickenham the following year. to continue an anticipated upward trajectory Speaking on the new deal, Gregor Townsend of this group of players and coaches. said: “I am honoured and privileged to have International rugby has never been given the opportunity to continue in my role as Scotland Head Coach. I will be doing been such a competitive arena all I can, alongside an outstanding support and Scottish Rugby is determined staff, to improve the team as we build towards the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. to keep pace with other nations PERFORMANCE “Over the past year I believe we have made “ and having a talented and progress on and off the field which give real grounds for optimism around what this respected coach like Gregor on +COMFORT team can achieve. board is an important factor in “I know how much our supporters want helping us achieve that. PROUD SUPPORTER TO the team to do well and the backing for the SCOTTISH RUGBY

THE FRONT ROW AUTUMN NATIONS CUP 2020 13 WORLD CUP 2023 DRAW PITS SCOTLAND AGAINST FAMILIAR OPPONENTS

Almost three years out from the tournament proper, made the draw for World Cup 2023 in Paris on Monday 14 December, JOIN with Scotland – fresh from the news that Head Coach Gregor Townsend has extended his stay in that role until that competition OUR PLAN at least – pitted against reigning world champions South Africa and INCLUDES REGULAR Ireland, against whom they have plenty of recent experience. DENTIST CHECK UPS, HYGIENIST VISITS & MORE The remaining two berths in Pool B of In the meantime, Scotland will host both rugby’s marquee event will be determined Ireland and South Africa at BT Murrayfield Family Dentist | Implant Centre by qualification structures in the lead up to during 2021, by way of the Guinness Six France hosting the Rugby World Cup for the Nations on Sunday 14 March and as part of Cosmetic Dentistry | Hygienist | Facial Aesthetics second time in its history [previously having the Autumn Internationals on the weekend held it in 2007]. of Saturday 13 November respectively. As the official dentist to Scottish Rugby, SmilePlus is proud to treat The Springboks were in the same group many of the players on the pitch today. A friendly, trusted practice, as Scotland in 2015, where ’s SmilePlus has a team of highly experienced, caring dental practitioners, charges were defeated 34-16 at St James’ led by principal dentist Fiona Davidson. Rest-assured, you will be in Park in Newcastle – although the Scots did safe hands with our experienced team. qualify for the last eight where they lost out in dramatic fashion to Australia. Online consultations now available for our range of cosmetic dentistry Fans will remember well the last Rugby procedures. Find out more at smileplusdentalcare.co.uk. World Cup in Japan which, for all the spectacle, was a disappointment for Book an appointment today by calling 0131 334 1581 Townend’s men, who lost their Pool A opener to Ireland and eventually bowed out to the hosts in their group finale. The final two spots at Rugby World Cup 2023 will, as mentioned, go to teams labelled at this stage as Asia/Pacific 2 and Europe 2. Speculation as to who these teams will end up being is of course a slightly pointless Fiona Davidson Chris Chisholm Fiona Mulryan Umair Mohammed exercise given the tournament is three years away, but an initial glance might suggest the likes of Hong Kong, Tonga and Russia are some of the likely candidates for those SmilePlus Dental Care Official Dentist and Mouthguard eventual places. 4 Glasgow Road Supplier of Scottish Rugby Edinburgh, EH12 8HL THE FRONT ROW AUTUMN NATIONS CUP 2020 15 Scotland beat France 28-17 to win the Auld Alliance 2020 in March - A SNAPSHOT OF SCOTLAND’S YEAR

The inaugural Autumn Nations Cup, which brought a return to elite sight with two quickfire second half tries to SCOTLAND’S 2020 level rugby in a year like no other, culminated on the weekend of 5 ultimately ease to third place in the Autumn RESULTS Nations Cup, leaving Scotland to take fourth December with a full programme of matches, signalling the end of a and with it a reasonable final position. seven-week period of international sport. IRELAND 19-12 SCOTLAND SCOTLAND 6-13 ENGLAND It was a Guinness Six Nations of some Scotland faced Italy, France and Ireland to play Fiji on account of the cancellation of length, with the championship having to be in the new-look tournament, as well as that match through Covid-19 measures. ITALY 0-17 SCOTLAND resumed in October once conditions were Georgia and Wales in the preceding weeks, Scotland, followed up wins over the SCOTLAND 28-17 FRANCE safe to do so. That notable win over Wales registering three wins including a first aforementioned Georgia and Wales with a at Parc y in Llanelli represented triumph on Welsh soil in nearly two decades. SCOTLAND 48-7 GEORGIA 28-17 victory over Italy in , scoring the big away scalp that Scotland had been Gregor Townsend’s squad came up short in four tries through , WALES 10-14 SCOTLAND seeking and added to a duo of successes in Italy in February and then November. Dublin in the Autumn Nations Cup 3rd/4th Fraser Brown, Scott Cummings and George ITALY 17-28 SCOTLAND play-off match, and finish 2020 with five wins Turner to get their campaign off to the best A year on from their Rugby World Cup from their nine international fixtures for a win possible start. SCOTLAND 15-22 FRANCE campaign in Japan, Scotland finished rate of 55.5%, having not had the opportunity The cancellation of France’s tie with Fiji IRELAND 31-16 SCOTLAND 2020 having blooded several new faces, meant Fabien Galthié brought a full- using no fewer than 39 players across the CALENDAR YEAR STATS: strength team to BT Murrayfield [although entire autumn programme and rising up their supposedly second tier side ran TOTAL TRIES: 20 to seventh in the year-end World Rugby England mightily close at Twickenham in rankings, an improvement of two places on TOP TRY SCORERS: the final round] seeking revenge for defeat the same time in 2019. Duhan van der Merwe, in March’s Guinness Six Nations encounter – Stuart McInally (both 3); the last match played before the pandemic , put paid to professional sport for a few , months. Fraser Brown (all 2) Les Bleus were as clinical as they were POINTS FOR: 184 combative the second time around, AVERAGE POINTS PER GAME: 20.4 avenging that result with a 22-15 win in Scotland’s final home international of the POINTS AGAINST: 136 calendar year. AVERAGE POINTS PER GAME: 15.1 A trip to Dublin, where the Scots were seeking MOST POINTS: (49),

Captain a first win since 2010, proved a step too far (23) Head Coach Gregor consoles Wales counterpart after a nearly two months in camp. Despite Townsend and Assistant Mike WORLD RUGBY RANKING: th Alun after 7 Blair in conversation during a positive start, which brought about a two- th Scotland’s win in October (up from 9 ) the Autumn Test programme point half-time deficit, Ireland pulled out of

16 LEADERSHIP . ENGAGEMENT . ACHIEVEMENT . ENJOYMENT . RESPECT THE FRONT ROW AUTUMN NATIONS CUP 2020 17 @TennentsLager

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