Scotland Name 4 South African-Born Players for Tests Against All Blacks and Wallabies
- Scotland have included four South African-born players in their squad for a demanding November international rugby campaign
- The selected quartet will be part of a 37-man group preparing for three Nations Championship matches at Murrayfield
- An uncapped forward has also earned a place as Scotland prepare for a challenging run of fixtures
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Scotland have selected four South African-born players for their upcoming Tests against New Zealand and Australia, adding familiar names with South African roots to their November squad. Head coach Gregor Townsend announced his 37-man group on Monday, 26 October 2026, ahead of three Nations Championship fixtures at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.
The quartet comprises Kyle Steyn, Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman and Nathan McBeth. They will join Scotland's preparations for matches against the All Blacks, the Wallabies and Japan on consecutive weekends in November.
South African-born quartet named in Scotland squad
According to Rugby365, Steyn and Van der Merwe feature among Scotland's back-three options, while Schoeman and McBeth have been selected as loosehead props.
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Steyn, who plays for Glasgow Warriors, has earned 35 caps for Scotland. Edinburgh Rugby winger Van der Merwe has made 54 international appearances.
Schoeman, also representing Edinburgh, has accumulated 52 caps. Glasgow Warriors prop McBeth has eight.
Their inclusion gives Townsend several options as Scotland prepare for three challenging encounters on home soil.
Scotland prepare for All Blacks and Wallabies
Scotland will face New Zealand on Saturday, 7 November, before taking on Australia on Sunday, 15 November. Japan will visit Murrayfield on Saturday, 21 November.
Captain Sione Tuipulotu leads the squad, which includes experienced fly-half Finn Russell and full-back Blair Kinghorn. The matches form part of the inaugural Nations Championship, which connects the July and November international windows in one competition.
Uncapped Ollie Leatherbarrow earns selection
Townsend has also selected Ollie Leatherbarrow, who is yet to make his senior international debut. The Newcastle Red Bulls back-row forward qualifies through his Scottish grandmother and has represented Scotland at Under-16 and Under-20 levels.
Scotland's November results will help determine their position heading into the Nations Championship Finals Weekend in London on 27–29 November.
The squad combines established internationals with a fresh option as Scotland prepare for a significant month of Test rugby.
Source: Getty Images
Duhan van der Merwe's emotional Springboks decision
Briefly News also reported that Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe explained why his international allegiance means so much to him after a difficult journey abroad.
The South African-born star spoke about the sacrifices involved in leaving home and the opportunities Scotland gave him. His reflections offer further insight into the personal experiences behind his decision to represent Scotland rather than the Springboks.
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Source: Briefly News
