McInally to lead Scotland at RWC

Stuart McInally will captain Scotland at the Rugby World Cup. The confirmation comes as Gregor Townsend named his final 31-man squad for the tournament. Former captains John Barclay and Greig Laidlaw are included but it’s the Edinburgh hooker who is given the armband.

There are few surprises in Townsend’s squad, with the midfield a rare subject of debate. Peter Horne and Chris Harris are selected, while Huw Jones and in-form newcomer Rory Hutchinson are left out. Other notable omissions include back row pair Matt Fagerson and Josh Strauss. American-born Tommy Seymour is named as one of three wingers.

Scotland will compete in Pool A along with Ireland, Russia, Samoa, and hosts Japan.

A detailed squad list can be seen here.

FORWARDS
Allan Dell (Edinburgh), Gordon Reid (London Irish), Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Stuart McInally (capt., Edinburgh), George Turner (Glasgow Warriors), Simon Berghan (Edinburgh), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), WP Nel (Edinburgh), Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors), Ben Toolis (Edinburgh), John Barclay (Edinburgh), Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh), Blade Thomson (Scarlets), Hamish Watson (Edinburgh), Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors)

BACKS
George Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Clermont Auvergne, FR), Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors), Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors), Finn Russell (Racing 92, FR), Chris Harris (Newcastle Falcons), Peter Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Sam Johnson (Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Taylor (Saracens), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Sean Maitland (Saracens), Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh)