New club for ex-Scotland cap who pleaded guilty to domestic abuse

Chief Rugby Writer

Published 22nd Jun 2026, 21:30 GMT

Winger returns to European rugby

Stade Francais have confirmed the signing of the former Scotland winger Rufus McLean who pleaded guilty to domestic abuse charges three years ago.

McLean, 26, will play for the Paris team next season after the deal was announced on Monday evening.

Stade Francais are one of France’s top clubs and finished third in the Top 14 regular season, behind Toulouse and Montpellier. They lost to the latter in the play-off semi-finals on Saturday.

Rufus McLean playing for the United States against England at Audi Field on July 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. — Rufus McLean playing for the United States against England at Audi Field on July 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. | Getty Images

placeholder image — Rufus McLean playing for the United States against England at Audi Field on July 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. | Getty Images

The move represents a return to Europe for McLean who moved to the United States to rebuild his career, firstly with the Colorado-based American Raptors and then the Houston SaberCats and Seattle Seawolves. Born in Boston and raised in Scotland, McLean also switched international allegiance and is now a United States international.

Reaction on social media

In a statement on X, Stade Francais said: “Rufus McLean joins the capital club and will wear pink next season. Welcome Rufus.”

One of several new signings announced by the club, the McLean deal immediately provoked an angry reaction on social media from some Stade Francais supporters. “Hideous news that hurts more than Saturday night's defeat,” wrote one.

McLean’s guilty plea led to his contract at Glasgow Warriors being terminated in January 2023. He admitted abusing his girlfriend over a period of almost two years. Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard the three-times capped ex-Scotland player pushed, hurled abuse at, and tracked her. He was ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work and also made subject to a non-harassment order to not contact her for 10 years.

Rufus McLean, centre, attempts to hold off a tackle while playing for Scotland against South Africa at Murrayfield on November 13, 2021. — Rufus McLean, centre, attempts to hold off a tackle while playing for Scotland against South Africa at Murrayfield on November 13, 2021. | AFP via Getty Images

placeholder image — Rufus McLean, centre, attempts to hold off a tackle while playing for Scotland against South Africa at Murrayfield on November 13, 2021. | AFP via Getty Images

Educated at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, McLean came through the ranks at Glasgow Warriors and played for Scotland at age-grade level before making his full international debut against Tonga at Murrayfield in October 2021, scoring two tries in a 60-14 win.

He won his second Scotland cap against world champions South Africa a fortnight later. His third and final Scotland appearance was against Argentina in Santiago del Estero in July 2022. He made his international debut for the United States in a 40-5 defeat by England in Washington DC last summer.

Rugby Domestic Abuse

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