Scotland have named Sione Tuipulotu as their new captain ahead of the autumn, replacing team-mate Finn Russell for the Tests against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal and Australia.
Tuipulotu, 27, was one of Scotland’s vice-captains during the Six Nations and led the side against Chile in the summer, while he has also captained Glasgow Warriors this season.
Scotland finished fourth in the Six Nations under Russell and his fellow co-captain Rory Darge, winning two of their five matches including a defeat against Italy in Rome, before Russell was given the summer off ahead of the birth of his child. Russell and Darge have both been named as vice-captains for the autumn.
Gregor Townsend, the Scotland head coach, praised Tuipulotu as someone who “thrives in the leadership role” having been a key leader for Scotland in recent years.
“He often sets the emotional tone and mindset required for the team and he also contributes significantly to both our attack and defence,” Townsend added. “Last season we looked to deepen our leadership group and we now have a number of people who could step up as captain. Sione is aware that he will have leaders around him to offer support and share the leadership responsibilities needed throughout the week and during the game.”
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