International
World Rankings: Springboks' place at No.1 under threat in Buenos Aires
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Scotland Rugby
The Scotland rugby team competes in the Six Nations and the Nations Championship. They’ve also appeared at every edition of the Rugby World Cup.
Scotland Rugby News
International
Interview
'There wasn't even a hesitation': Butcher ready to lead Scotland at WXV Global Series
McMillan retires from international rugby five months after Scotland recall
Scotland forward pack bolstered and England U20 cap included in WXV squad
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Scotland appoint two new assistant coaches as another senior figure departs
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World Ranking
Scotland Rugby are currently 6th in the World Rugby Rankings. Their highest ever ranking was 5th in July 2026.
Ranking Over Time
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2003
2015
2026
Scotland Rugby Matches
Sat 18 Jul, 2026
Sat 7 Nov, 2026
Sun 15 Nov, 2026
Scotland Rugby Rugby Team Players
Scotland Rugby Forwards
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Scotland Rugby Backs
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Scotland Rugby Tournaments
Scotland National Rugby Union Team
The Scotland rugby team is one of the world's top rugby union sides. Across their illustrious history, they’ve claimed 14 outright Six Nations titles and have appeared at every edition of the Rugby World Cup. Their best finish is fourth, which they achieved in 1991.
There are currently four past and present Scotland rugby players who feature in the International Rugby Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, eight players have been inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. This includes legendary names like Ian McGeechan and former British and Irish Lions captain Gavin Hastings.
Scotland at the Six Nations Championship
Scotland's Six Nations history dates back to the first Home Nations Championship in 1883. The original tournament was contested by England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. With the addition of France in 1910, the tournament became the Five Nations (France were then expelled in 1931 but rejoined once more in 1947). Then, when Italy joined in 2000, the tournament became known as the Six Nations.
Alongside Ireland and Wales, the Scotland rugby team has contested every Home, Five and Six Nations Championship. To date, the Scotland rugby team has recorded 14 outright titles and eight shared wins.
Added to this, the Scotland rugby squad has claimed three Grand Slams. They secured their first Grand Slam in 1925, their second in 1984 and their third in 1990. On top of this, Scotland's Six Nations record includes 10 Triple Crowns, half of which were secured during the original Home Nations (1883-1909, 1932-1939).
However, the Scotland rugby team are yet to win the tournament in the modern era of the Six Nations; Scotland secured all of their titles during the Home Nations and Five Nations Championship eras.
Scotland at the Rugby World Cup
Scotland's Rugby World Cup record extends back to 1987, when the inaugural tournament was held. Since then, the Scotland national rugby union team has competed at every Rugby World Cup.
Scotland's best Rugby World Cup result occurred in 1991, when the team finished fourth. After soaring to the top of their pool, the Scotland rugby squad defeated Western Samoa in the quarter-finals before falling to England at the semi-final stage. They then battled New Zealand in the third-place play-off. Although they delivered an excellent performance, they were no match for the All Blacks and the game ended 13-6.
Aside from 1991, Scotland's Rugby World Cup campaigns have been moderately successful. They achieved quarter-final finishes in 1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015. However, they exited during the pool stage in 2011, 2019 and 2023.
FAQs
How many Rugby World Cups have Scotland won?
Scotland have never won the Rugby World Cup. Their best finish in the competition came in 1991, when the team came fourth.
Who is the Scotland head coach?
Gregor Townsend is the current head coach of Scotland. He’s held the position since 2017, when he succeeded Vern Cotter.
Who captains Scotland?
Sione Tuipulotu is the current captain of the Scotland national rugby team.
When was the Scotland national rugby team established?
The Scotland rugby team was established in 1871. The team played against England in what is now recognised as the first ever international rugby union match.
What is Scotland’s longest winning run in rugby union?
Scotland’s biggest win came against Japan. In November 2004, Scotland defeated Japan 100-8.
What is Scotland’s biggest defeat in rugby union?
Scotland’s biggest ever defeat came in 1997. At home in Edinburgh, the team was defeated 10-68 by the Springboks.
Who has scored the most points for Scotland?
Chris Paterson is Scotland’s top point-scorer. He scored 809 points for his country between 1999 and 2011.
Who holds the record for most caps for Scotland?
Ross Ford is Scotland’s most-capped player. He made 110 appearances for Scotland between 2004 and 2019.
What is Scotland’s record against England?
Scotland hold a losing record against England. Since 1871, the teams have faced each other 144 times, with England winning 77 times and Scotland claiming 48 victories. A further 19 matches have ended in a draw.
Have Scotland ever won a Six Nations Grand Slam?
In the modern era of the Six Nations (since 2000), Scotland have never claimed the Grand Slam. However, they did win three Grand Slams in the Five Nations era.
Who is Scotland’s all-time leading try scorer?
Scotland’s all-time leading try scorer is Darcy Graham. He still represents his country and will be looking to add to this tally over the months and years.
What is Scotland’s best Rugby World Cup finish?
Scotland’s best finish at the Rugby World Cup is fourth. The team achieved this in 1991 after narrowly losing to New Zealand in the third-place play-off.
Where do Scotland play their home rugby matches?
Scotland traditionally play their home matches at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.
What colours do Scotland play in?
Scotland’s home kit consists of a navy jersey, white shorts and navy socks. The team’s second colours consist of a white jersey with navy blue shorts and socks.
Who are the most famous Scotland rugby players?
Over the years, several stars of the game and household names have played for the Scotland rugby team. Some of the most famous include Doddie Weir, Gavin Hastings and Ian McGeechan. Today, the star name to look out for on the teamsheet is Finn Russell.
