Scotland A announce head coach for Chile meeting

Gregor Townsend's assistant Peter Horne will take charge of Scotland A when they host Chile on November 23 at Edinburgh’s Hive Stadium.

Much in the same way Andy Farrell's assistant Simon Easterby has led Emerging Ireland recently, the former Scotland centre will coach Scotland's second-string side as they play their first match since June 2022, which was also against Chile- a 5-45 victory in Santiago.

The match will be played the night before Scotland’s senior side take on Australia at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

The squad will comprise players who are part of the wider Scotland squad for the Autumn Nations Series, as well as additional players who will be called up specifically for the game.

Scotland’s senior side have already faced Chile this year, with Townsend’s side coming away 11-52 victors in the penultimate match of their tour of the Americas.

“It’s a real honour coaching your country at any level and I am excited by the opportunity," Horne said after the appointment was made.

"I jumped at the chance when Gregor asked if I would lead Scotland A. The national team played Chile in the summer and they posed a real threat. It’ll be brilliant to see players grasp their opportunity against a national team and play in front of a good crowd at the Hive.

“There are so many good young players coming through in Scotland but the opportunities to test themselves at that next level can often be limited. The A matches act as a platform for these guys to impress and make the step up to the first team.

“It will largely be a young group of players but everyone will be at different stages in their career.

“There will be young players who’ve not played much for their pro team along with guys who have featured for the national team but either haven’t established themselves yet or are finding limited playing opportunities. It will be a beneficial game for a number of reasons.

“If the boys play well in our environment it’ll give them the opportunity to be considered for selection to play for the national team.

“We will be based at Oriam for the week, along with the national team squad which will make for a really competitive environment. Everyone on the training field will be building towards a match at the weekend whether it be the game against Australia, or the A match. That will add an extra edge to training.”