I NEEDED NAILED-ON STARTER AS SKIPPER

Townsend on decision 10 strip Ritchie of captaincy

- GRAEME MACPHERSON

GREGOR TOWNSEND revealed he removed the Scotland captaincy from Jamie Ritchie as he might not get a game. 

Ritchie has led the team since 2022 but has been overlooked in favour of a joint arrangement between Finn Russell and Rory Darge.

There had been speculation over whether that was because of concerns over his fitness or his suitability as skipper.

But Townsend, speaking in Dublin at the official launch of this year’s Guinness Six Nations, confirmed the change of direction was based solely on selection.

Scotland are really strong in the back row with in-form players like Matt Fagerson, Jack Dempsey, Luke Crosbie, Andy Christie and Josh Bayliss all in contention.

And Toony admits that means there is no guarantee that Ritchie will still command a starting jersey.

The head coach said: “The important thing for any of our leaders is to make sure they’re going to start.