Scotland have a solution staring them in face for potential summer conundrum

What does that mean for the international future of the 33-times caped number 8? After all, there are no rules that expressly forbid him from playing for Scotland just because he is heading overseas, unlike in other unions.

However, when hooker George Turner left Warriors in 2024 to sign for Kobe Steelers, he lost his place in the national team set-up and did not return till after his subsequent move to Harlequins a year later. At that time, head coach Gregor Townsend said that playing in Japan did not automatically rule Turner out of Scotland selection but did present challenges due to their club season overlapping with key international dates.

Jack Dempsey’s international future uncertain as Glasgow Warriors’ star heads for Japan

That could very well mean a shake-up in the back row is forthcoming for Scotland and it could start this summer with their inaugural Nations Championship Test matches. Although Dempsey should be available for the fixtures with Argentina, South Africa and Fiji, it may very well be an opportunity to look at other options if the former Wallaby is then going to miss the next set of games due to club commitments.

So who does Gregor Townsend turn to? At the moment there would appear to be three oblivious options.

Dempsey’s Glasgow teammate Matt Fagerson is no stranger to playing No 8 for the national team, having been deployed there plenty in the past. One of the problems is that the 27-year old has really come into his own as a blindside flanker at Test level as part of the current go to back row for both Scotland and Warriors of Fagerson, Darge and Dempsey.

It would be a shame to shift him out of a position where he has been playing some of the best rugby of his international career. Of course, with former Scotland skipper Jamie Ritchie headed for Scotstoun next season, that could very well end up being the plan for club and country.

Then there’s Josh Bayliss, who has yet to really get an extended run of games in the national team. He has impressed when called upon and has played over 150 games for Bath in the Gallagher Premiership so it’s not a question of talent.

The former England youth international’s issue is that he fits the mould more of an athletic six rather than a hulking No 8, especially at Test level. Dempsey’s ball carrying style is aggressive, even down right violent, and that’s not always the easiest thing to come by.

Scotland will need a physical presence to anchor the scrum, especially with South Africa and Argentina to play in the summer. The solution is possibly staring them in the face.

Is Edinburgh skipper Magnus Bradbury the man to pick up Scotland Number 8 mantle?

Edinburgh skipper Magnus Bradbury has been the stand out player in a fairly disappointing season for the capital club. He recently signed a one year contract extension, keeping him at the Hive as he looks to force his way back into Gregor Townsend’s plans before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The 30-year-old fell out of favour when he first left Edinburgh to sign for Bristol Bears back in 2022. He returned to the fold for this year’s Six Nations but made just one appearance off the bench in the final game against Ireland.

He’s more experienced and has developed into a true leader since his last proper run of games for Scotland so this summer could be the perfect opportunity to see if he can fill Dempsey’s boots.

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt certainly believes he can do that job, saying: “We all know that Jack's put in some really good performances this year. He was nominated as Champions Cup Player of the Year. He's a great player.

“But I think Maggie's been focusing on his own performances. He's also put in some outstanding performances for Edinburgh and he maybe didn't get the opportunities that he would have liked during the Six Nations.

“Would Edinburgh Rugby and I like to see him play for Scotland? of course we do. But that's up to him and it's up to Gregor to decide. But he's certainly a guy that would be comfortable in a Scottish rugby jersey.”

Scotland kick off their inaugural Nations Championship campaign when they face Argentina in Cordoba on July 4. The summer series then sees them head to Pretoria to take on South Africa on July 11 before hosting Fiji at Murrayfield on July 18.

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