Scotland accused of 'devaluing the shirt' due to number of foreign-born players

Today at 11:26 AM

Former Scotland fly-half Craig Chalmers has pulled no punches, branding Scotland's reliance on project players as "desperate" and accusing the team of devaluing the jersey.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has come under fire after naming an Autumn Nations squad featuring a staggering 17 players born outside of Scotland—a figure significantly higher than any of the other home nations.

"I understand it's the rules and it's not the guys' fault, but I just feel that the team is losing its identity,” Chalmers told Rugbypass.

"Trawling the world"

The ex-Lions star didn't hold back in his criticism:

"I just think it's too much now. I just think it looks a bit desperate that we're trawling the world."

Chalmers questioned why some of the players don't stay loyal to their roots:

"Why don't these guys want to play for South Africa? They've got world champion teams. Surely they've been inspired by them to play for South Africa and do as well as they can in their own country."

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"Devaluing the jersey"

Having played during a fiercely competitive era, Chalmers expressed frustration at seeing players handed Scotland caps under the residency rule:

"I played with and against so many guys who didn't get capped that probably should have, and to see people getting capped like this, it just devalues it."

For Chalmers, the issue boils down to a lack of grassroots investment:

"We are not developing and bringing players through the way we should be."

Is this a genuine concern for Scottish rugby's identity—or a necessary evil in the modern game? Let us know your thoughts!

Foreign-born players in the 2024 Autumn Nations Series breakdown by country

Here's a look at the foreign-born players representing the home nations – England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland – and the unique backgrounds they bring to their squads.

Scotland – 17 players

Scotland's foreign-born players come from a mix of rugby powerhouse nations, adding depth and versatility:

Ewan Ashman (Canada) – This hooker was born in Canada but moved to Scotland at an early age. Known for his dynamic carries, Ashman brings a Canadian spark to the Scottish front row.

Dylan Richardson (South Africa) – The South African-born Richardson is a hard-hitting back-rower who qualified for Scotland through his mother. He's known for his physical presence and adaptability on the field.

Will Hurd (England) – Although born in England, Hurd made his mark in Scotland's rugby system and earned his cap for the Scottish team.

Nathan McBeth (South Africa) – Originally from South Africa, McBeth brings strong scrummaging skills and qualified to represent Scotland, further strengthening their pack.

Elliot Millar-Mills (England) – Born in England but committed to Scottish rugby, Millar-Mills is another versatile prop adding depth to the front row.

Pierre Schoeman (South Africa) – Schoeman's powerful scrummaging and dynamic open play have quickly made him a fan favourite. The South African-born prop has fully embraced his Scottish allegiance.

Ewan Johnson (England) – A dependable lock, Johnson's English roots have helped balance out the squad with a variety of playing experiences.

Josh Bayliss (England) – A back-rower who qualifies through his Scottish heritage, Bayliss adds further English flair to the Scotland back row.

Jack Dempsey (Australia) – Formerly capped for Australia, Dempsey now dons Scottish colours, bringing experience and physicality to the Scottish pack.

Ali Price (England) – The scrum-half was born in England but developed his career in Scotland, becoming a critical component of their attacking play.

Ben White (England) – Born in England, White offers a fresh scrum-half option, helping Scotland maintain momentum in open play.

Tom Jordan (New Zealand) – A New Zealand-born fly-half, Jordan represents Scotland, bringing tactical insight and calm playmaking to the squad.

Rory Hutchinson (England) – Known for his speed and footwork, Hutchinson brings a dynamic English background to the Scottish backline.

Sione Tuipulotu (Australia) – Born in Australia with Tongan heritage, Tuipulotu brings strength and flair to Scotland's midfield options.

Arron Reed (England) – Reed's English roots add depth to Scotland's wing options, known for his acceleration and finishing abilities.

Kyle Rowe (England) – Another English-born wing, Rowe's explosive pace is a significant asset for Scotland in attack.

Duhan van der Merwe (South Africa) – A South African powerhouse wing, van der Merwe is known for his destructive running and finishing prowess, making him a standout in the Scottish squad.

England – Three players

England's squad features several players born outside the country who bring a variety of rugby influences to the field:

Sam Underhill (USA) – A tackling machine, Underhill was born in the USA but moved to England as a child. Known for his defensive prowess, he's a mainstay in the England back row.

Marcus Smith (Philippines) – Born in Manila, Philippines, Smith moved to the UK at a young age. His creative playmaking and agility make him a standout in England's backline.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Wales) – Born in Wales, Feyi-Waboso's dynamic abilities as a centre have earned him a spot in the English squad, adding a youthful edge to their lineup.

Wales – Seven players

Wales features a handful of foreign-born players, each contributing to the team's physicality and skill:

Taine Plumtree (New Zealand) – A versatile back-rower, Plumtree was born in New Zealand and has quickly made an impact with his athleticism.

Tommy Reffell (England) – Born in England, Reffell has shown impressive breakdown skills, adding depth to the Welsh back row.

Will Rowlands (England) – The towering lock was born in England and brings experience and power to the Welsh pack.

Henry Thomas (England) – A prop with experience playing for England, Thomas strengthens the Welsh front row.

Christ Tshiunza (Democratic Republic of Congo) – Tshiunza moved to Wales as a child and has brought his athletic frame and work rate to the Welsh team.

Gareth Anscombe (New Zealand) – Originally from New Zealand, Anscombe's playmaking experience is a major asset for Wales at fly-half.

Nick Tompkins (England) – An English-born centre, Tompkins brings versatility to the Welsh midfield.

Ireland – Eight players

Ireland's foreign-born players come from various rugby nations, enriching the team with international experience:

Finlay Bealham (Australia) – Born in Australia, Bealham's scrummaging skills and versatility have made him a key player in Ireland's front row.

Rob Herring (South Africa) – Originally from South Africa, Herring's lineout accuracy and strength make him a reliable hooker for Ireland.

Cormac Izuchukwu (Nigeria) – Izuchukwu was born in Nigeria but moved to Ireland young, and his athleticism brings added energy to the Irish pack.

Tom O’Toole (Australia) – An Australian-born prop, O’Toole's physical style bolsters Ireland's front row.

Bundee Aki (New Zealand) – A key playmaker in the Irish midfield, Aki's New Zealand roots add hard-running and defensive strength to the squad.

Jamison Gibson-Park (New Zealand) – Born in New Zealand, Gibson-Park's quick passing and dynamic presence add flair to Ireland's attack.

Mack Hansen (Australia) – Australian-born, Hansen brings versatility and finishing ability to the Irish wing.

James Lowe (New Zealand) – Another New Zealand-born player, Lowe's powerful running and kicking ability have added a distinct dimension to Ireland's backline.

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