Jamie Dobie in line to make Scotland debut after being named on bench for Scotland's first Autumn international against Tonga
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Jamie Dobie has been named as one of Scotland’s substitutes for their Autumn international against Tonga.
It had been seen as possibly Dobie’s best chance of making his senior international debut, given that Scotland’s other matches in the coming weeks are against Australia, South Africa and Japan – in part because this first match falls outside the international release window, meaning only Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh players are likely to feature.
However, scrum half Dobie faced stiff competition from fellow Warriors player Ali Price – named co-captain for the match – for a place in the side, so while others may benefit from some key names being missing, Dobie is not one of them.
Still, all hope is not lost, as Dobie’s spot on the bench means there is every chance he will come on as a replacement for a first cap.
It is not the first time Dobie has been in international contention after an eye-catching start to his career at Scotstoun.
Having initially been named in Scotland’s training squad for the Six Nations at the start of 2021, he was called into the full squad for their match against France towards the end of the competition.
Dobie had also been named in the squad for Scotland’s summer tour to Romania and Georgia, where was expected to play.
Covid-19, however, forced both of those matches to be cancelled, delaying his debut once again.
The 20-year-old has featured for Scotland at under-16 and under-18 level, but the former Highland minis player will hope to finally represent his country at the highest level on Saturday if called upon by Gregor Townsend.
“As a playing and coaching group we are looking forward to returning to international rugby over the coming four weeks in the Autumn Nations Series,” Townsend said of his first team selection.
“This week has been our first opportunity since the Six Nations to come together.
“Our goal is to become a better team over the next month.
“Saturday will also be a huge occasion for a number of players in our squad who have the honour of playing for their country for the first time.”
