Ollie Leatherbarrow Receives First Scotland Call-Up for Nations Championship

Ollie Leatherbarrow, a back-row player for Newcastle Falcons, has been called up to the Scotland rugby team for the first time. He will participate in three home Nations Championship matches against New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.

Leatherbarrow, who qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother from Perth, has previously represented the country at under-16 and under-20 levels. The 24-year-old began his professional career at Exeter Chiefs before joining Newcastle in 2023. Notably, Edinburgh forwards Magnus Bradbury and Freddy Douglas were left out of the 37-player squad.

Scotland's head coach Gregor Townsend has included senior players Jamie Ritchie, Darcy Graham, and Duhan van der Merwe, who have recently recovered from injuries. The team will host the All Blacks on November 7, followed by matches against the Wallabies and Brave Blossoms at Murrayfield.