Scotland to field A team for first time in eight years against Chile

Scotland will be sending their A team to face Chile prior to their three Test series with Los Pumas in Argentina this summer.

There had been speculation that the full Scotland team would be taking on the South American minnows, but the SRU have opted instead to send a second-string side to face the Condors in Santiago.

The match will take place on Saturday, June 25 at 9 pm (UK time) at the Estadio Santa Laura Universidad SEK, home of Union Espanola FC, in Santiago, Chile. Broadcast details are still being finalized, but it will be the first time the two sides have faced each other.

After defeating Canada in an Americas qualification match last year, Chile will utilize the match as a warm-up for their Rugby World Cup play-offs against the United States.

It will be the first time Chile play Six Nations opposition in more than 60 years.

Scotland A were last in action in February 2014 at Scotstoun Stadium in a match against England Saxons where Byron McGuigan scored Scotland’s only try in a 16-16 draw.

“Scotland A will play the first match of our summer tour, against Chile, which will be a new challenge against a rugby nation on the rise – one that is on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup," said Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.

“Similar to the Tonga match last Autumn at BT Murrayfield, we will look to use a blend of youth and experience to start off the tour on a positive note. With the World Cup just around the corner, the four matches this summer will allow our players the chance to gain more game time and experience on the international stage.

“We always enjoy connecting with other countries and we are proud to be able to play Chile for the first time. It’ll also allow us another week to acclimatise to similar conditions that we’ll experience in Argentina such as playing at altitude and in a different time zone.