Scotland are weighing up a Six Nations call-up for New Zealand-born Fergus Burke, who also qualifies to play for England.
Head coach Gregor Townsend will name his squad for the tournament on Wednesday, with Burke in contention to be selected as the third fly-half in the group behind Finn Russell and Tom Jordan.
The 25-year-old, who has a Glaswegian grandfather, has made an impressive start to life at Saracens after moving from Canterbury in his homeland to replace Owen Farrell.
Scottish Rugby attempted to get the player to sign for Glasgow Warriors, only for Burke to choose the London club instead.
Saracens sit third in the Premiership table having won seven of the 10 matches in which Burke has started. The stand-off has scored five tries, including two in last weekend’s comprehensive victory over second-placed Bristol Bears.
Russell, whose Bath side sit top of the Premiership, remains Scotland’s undoubted first choice at 10.
Fergus Burke (left) has made an impression since joining Saracens last year
Finn Russell remains Scotland’s first-choice No 10 but back-up is required
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend could increase his options by calling up Burke
Jordan, another who was born in New Zealand, has emerged as his main understudy after making his international debut against Fiji and also featuring against South Africa and Portugal in the recent Autumn Nations series at Murrayfield.
With a broken jaw likely to rule out Adam Hastings this spring, and with Edinburgh pair Ben Healy and Ross Thompson having fallen down the pecking order, the door has opened for Burke who is also eligible to represent England through his mum who hails from Devon.
The Gisborne-born player has remained largely tight-lipped about his preferred nation of choice – having been viewed for a while as a future All Black – but did reveal after making the switch to Saracens that winning a cap was on his mind.
‘I am driven by international rugby,’ he told The Guardian. ‘I’ve talked to people in and around it but, to be honest, I’ve got things to focus on here. If I can play good rugby and we can get some results that stuff can take care of itself.’
Burke has also previously played at full-back – during his time at Canterbury – which would likely improve his chances of making a Scotland matchday squad. Compatriot Jordan has demonstrated his flexibility by switching between 10, 12 and 15 for club and country.
Townsend has established a reputation for casting the net far and wide when it comes to squad selection and the inclusion of Burke, first revealed by the Daily Telegraph, would be the latest example of that.
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Scotland boss Gregor Townsend eyes call-up for Saracens fly-half Fergus Burke, who is also eligible for All Blacks and England…
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