Scotland ditch Jamie Ritchie as captain for Six Nations

Saint Denis, France. 07th Oct, 2023. Jamie Ritchie #6 of Scotland is injured during the Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Scotland at Stade de France on October 07, 2023 in Saint-Denis, Paris outskirts, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABAC

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has decided to change his captains for the Six Nations, with Jamie Ritchie losing his position.

The 27-year-old was chosen to replace Stuart Hogg as the skipper ahead of the 2022 November series and led them into the Rugby World Cup.

However, Ritchie has struggled for form and fitness since then and Townsend believes the move will allow him to “focus more on his game.”

His successors

As a result, Scotland have gone with co-captains for the Six Nations with Finn Russell and Rory Darge taking over.

“Appointing co-captains for this year’s Guinness Six Nations allows us to further grow and develop the leadership within the squad,” Townsend said.

“Rory and Finn captained Scotland last summer and bring different strengths and styles of leadership to the table.

“Both are highly respected within our squad and have been part of our leadership group for some time. I’m sure they will thrive with this responsibility and lean on our other leaders to drive certain aspects of our preparation, mindset and performance.

“Jamie has done an excellent job as our captain since October 2022 and he will continue to be one of the key leaders in our group. He now has the opportunity to focus more on his game and deliver his best rugby over the next few weeks.”

Darge is currently on the sidelines and is a doubt for their Six Nations opener against Wales having not played since late December.

“I enjoyed captaining the team last summer and immediately felt proud when Gregor told me the news,” the flanker said.

“To co-captain your country is a tremendous honour and to do it alongside a guy like Finn who is respected across the game and such a talented player will be great for me.

“Everyone in our leadership group plays a vital role and we all have strengths that will take the team forward.

“This year’s Guinness Six Nations represents a chance for us to continue to progress as a group and everyone is looking forward to that first game against Wales.”

Russell-Townsend relationship

The relationship has often been fraught between Russell and Townsend, but that has been repaired over the past year or so.

“Playing for Scotland is a huge honour and to co-captain the side is a privilege and something I am proud of,” the fly-half said.

“We have such a talented squad and to lead them alongside Rory represents a massive opportunity. I can’t wait to get started with this year’s championship.

“Rory has been a key player for us since he made his debut and leads by example during matches and in training. We’ll both have different leadership styles which will complement each other and ultimately benefit the team as we go into the tournament.”

Meanwhile, it has also been revealed that Darcy Graham will miss the first two matches of the Six Nations after sustaining a groin injury and has been replaced in the squad by Ross McCann.