Scotland have named a 37-strong squad for their upcoming summer fixtures, including 17 uncapped players in contention to earn full international honours.

Interim head coach Mike Blair will oversee a group captained by Edinburgh’s Jamie Ritchie for games against England A, Romania and Georgia.

Squad combines youth and experience

With eight Scottish players unavailable following their selection for the British & Irish Lions’ own tour to South Africa, the summer squad combines youth and experience and provides an opportunity for players two years out from a Rugby World Cup to demonstrate their international credentials.

The full group will convene on Tuesday, June 15 to prepare for the England A fixture on Sunday, June 27, with a smaller squad then travelling to Romania and Georgia for the two Test matches on consecutive Saturdays, July 10 and 17 respectively.

Of the uncapped contingent, Luke Crosbie, Charlie Shiel (both Edinburgh) Rory Darge, Jamie Dobie, Rufus McLean, Ross Thompson, (all Glasgow Warriors) Josh Bayliss (Bath) and Ewan Ashman (Sale Sharks) have previously spent time in the Scotland set-up.

For others, namely centre/wing Sione Tuipulotu, second-row Kiran McDonald, back three player Cole Forbes (all Glasgow Warriors), wing Jack Blain (Edinburgh), props Nick Auterac (Northampton Saints), Javan Sebastian (Scarlets) and Robin Hislop (Doncaster Knights), and second-rows Cameron Henderson (Leicester Tigers) and Jamie Hodgson (Edinburgh) call-ups will represent their first taste of a senior international camp.

The squad retains experienced players, with no fewer than 20 previously representing Scotland.

Indeed, six players – Blair Kinghorn, Matt Scott, Adam Hastings, Scott Cummings, Simon Berghan and Ritchie – have earned at least 20 caps to date.

Blair said: “We have selected a mix of genuine Test match experience and a number of players who have impressed in the recent past to warrant a place in a squad that will want to continue the positive progress we have built up on and off the pitch in recent months.

“England A, Romania and Georgia will each pose different and tough challenges and we will have to be operating at our best to enjoy success, continuing on from some promising performances during the 2021 Guinness Six Nations.

“With the next Rugby World Cup two years away this period gives us an opportunity to increase our depth in key positions and work with players who can put up their hands for international selection this summer, and beyond.”

Scotland squad for 2021 summer series

Forwards: Ewan Ashman (Sale Sharks), Nick Auterac (Northampton Saints), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Simon Berghan (Edinburgh), Jamie Bhatti (Bath), Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh), David Cherry (Edinburgh), Alex Craig (Gloucester), Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh), Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Fagerson (GlasgowWarriors), Cameron Henderson (Leicester Tigers), Robin Hislop (Doncaster Knights), Jamie Hodgson (Edinburgh), Oli Kebble (Glasgow Warriors), Kiran McDonald (Glasgow Warriors), Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh, captain), Javan Sebastian (Scarlets), Sam Skinner (Exeter Chiefs), Grant Stewart (Glasgow Warriors), George Turner (Glasgow Warriors)

Backs: Jack Blain (Edinburgh), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow Warriors), Cole Forbes (Glasgow Warriors), Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors), George Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Damien Hoyland (Edinburgh), Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh), James Lang (Harlequins), Rufus McLean (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Leicester Tigers), Charlie Shiel (Edinburgh), Scott Steele (London Irish), Kyle Steyn (Glasgow Warriors), Ross Thompson (Glasgow Warriors), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors)