Maitland out as English clubs limit Scots’ numbers
SCOTLAND will not be at full strength for Friday’s Six Nations finale in Paris — with the deal struck with Premiership clubs over the release of players limiting head coach Gregor Townsend to selecting just five of his England-based stars. The agreement raises questions over the integrity of the tournament as France go for the victory that could see them pip Wales to the Six Nations title. Winger Sean Maitland is chief among those who have been dropped from the squad to take on France as Townsend cut the number of English-based players he had in his squad from 11. Fabien Galthie’s side, who scored a stoppage-time winning try on Saturday to deny Wales a Grand Slam, need to
beat Scotland with a bonus point and by at least 21 points to take the Championship at the expense of Wayne Pivac’s men. Under a compensation deal agreed with Premiership Rugby Limited (PRL), head coach Townsend can only select five from south of the border for the money paid for their release. A compensation payment had to be paid as the fixture, which had to be re-arranged from three weeks ago after an outbreak of Covid in the French camp, falls outside the international window.
With English club fixtures on this weekend, PRL demanded payment to release English-based players for the match in Paris.
Sportsmail columnist and former Scotland captain Andy Nicol Tweeted his disapproval last night, saying: ‘So @premrugby are only allowing @Scotlandteam 5 players for the rearranged @SixNationsRugby match against France on Friday as that is all they have been paid for!! Six Nations and PRL, hang your heads in shame!! Money talks even in a pandemic! #scandalous.’
Townsend was informed after the 52-10 win over Italy that he would be allowed to pick players from England after long discussions between both sides and Six Nations officials. Initially he thought he could choose who he liked but it became evident there would be limits to how many English based player she could pick.
With main line-out jumper Jonny Gray out injured, there was a need for second rows, so Townsend made Sam Skinner of Exeter Chiefs and Alex Craig of Gloucester among his priorities.
Captain Stuart Hogg of Exeter has also been chosen, along with centre Chris Harris of Gloucester. The other exile picked is scrumhalf Scott Steele of Harlequins, who is in line to start in Paris.
Boxed into a corner over the number of English-based players he could pick, Townsend called up the uncapped Glasgow Warriors winger Rufus McLean, who can also play full-back, in place of Maitland. The Saracens player started at full-back in the win over Italy but his usual position is on the wing.
Retained in the squad following the win over Italy are home-based wingers Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe of Edinburgh, both of whom look certain to start in the French capital.
Being left out is a personal blow to Maitland as he is a contender for the Lions squad that will take on world champions South Africa in the summer. He is a long-term favourite of Lions head coach Warren Gatland, who picked him for the 2013 Lions tour of Australia. His versatility is vital on a Lions tour but he has now been deprived of a final chance to impress Gatland in Paris.
Others exiles to drop out who were involved in the build-up to the Italy game include hooker Ewan Ashman (Sale Sharks), Jamie Bhatti (Bath), Cornell du Preez (Worcester Warriors), James Lang (Harlequins) and Duncan Taylor (Saracens).