Australia-born number eight Alexander Masibaka has received a surprise call-up to Scotland’s Six Nations 2025 squad, replacing the injured Josh Bayliss. The 23-year-old, who plays for French second-tier side Soyaux-Angoulême, steps in after Bayliss suffered a groin injury. While playing for Bath, ruling him out of the tournament.
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Masibaka, born in Perth, Australia, has a diverse background, with a Scottish mother from Paisley and a Fijian father. His rugby journey began in Australia, where he briefly played for Western Force before earning a move to French Top 14 giants Montpellier in 2022. Although he didn’t make a significant impact there, he has since developed his game in France’s Pro D2 league, catching the attention of Scotland’s selectors.
His selection comes as Scotland faces a growing list of absentees ahead of the Six Nations. Injuries forcing head coach Gregor Townsend to look for depth in the squad. Masibaka’s physicality and versatility in the back row could provide Scotland with a useful option as they prepare for a challenging tournament.
While relatively unknown at the international level, he now has a golden opportunity to prove himself on one of rugby’s biggest stages. Australia-born number eight Alexander Masibaka has received a surprise call-up to Scotland’s Six Nations 2025 squad. Head coach Gregor Townsend seeks reinforcements following a spate of injuries.
Masibaka Replaces Injured Bayliss in Scotland Squad
The 23-year-old replaces Josh Bayliss, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a groin injury sustained while playing for Bath. Masibaka, born in Perth to a Scottish mother and a Fijian father, began his professional career in Australia before joining French Top 14 side Montpellier in 2022. He was loaned out the following season to Pro D2 club Soyaux-Angoulême, where he has remained and impressed with his dynamic performances.
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Standing at 6ft 1in and weighing 18st, he has proven to be a formidable ball carrier. Scoring 12 tries in 30 appearances for the club, where he plays alongside former England winger Jonny May. Scotland’s management has been tracking Masibaka since 2021 and is eager to assess his power and carrying ability at close quarters.
His inclusion comes alongside call-ups for Leicester lock Cameron Henderson, Oyonnax second-row Ewan Johnson, and uncapped Glasgow forward Euan Ferrie. Warriors full-back Ollie Smith has also been added to the squad as Scotland prepares for a challenging Guinness Six Nations 2025 campaign. Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has turned to Australia-born number eight Alexander Masibaka as injury concerns mount ahead of the Six Nations.
Guinness Six Nations 2025: Limited Options in the Back Row for Townsend
The 23-year-old, who plays for French Pro D2 side Soyaux-Angoulême, replaces Josh Bayliss. He was ruled out after suffering a groin injury while playing for Bath. Masibaka’s selection comes amid a deepening crisis in Scotland’s back-row options. Townsend had Jack Dempsey and Jack Mann available as number eights but faced limited alternatives when searching for a Bayliss replacement.
Magnus Bradbury is currently serving a suspension, and the highly-rated Ben Muncaster is sidelined with injury, leaving only inexperienced options in the position. The loss of Bayliss adds to Scotland’s growing list of absentees, with four players from Townsend’s original squad. Sione Tuipulotu, Dylan Richardson, Scott Cummings, and Bayliss are now ruled out of the tournament.
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Even before naming that squad, Scotland had already lost Kyle Steyn, Adam Hastings, Max Williamson, Andy Onyeama-Christie, and Muncaster. Many of these nine players would have been key starters or regulars in the matchday squad. Masibaka, a powerful ball-carrier at 6ft 1in and 18st, has been on Scotland’s radar since 2021.
Masibaka’s Impressive Performances Earn International Call-Up
Masibaka’s performances in France, where he has scored 12 tries in 30 games, have now earned him a golden opportunity on the international stage. Scotland’s preparations for the Six Nations have been hit by injuries, but they received a boost as record try-scorer. Duhan van der Merwe returned to full training ahead of their opening match against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The powerful winger, who has scored 31 tries for Scotland, had missed two games for Edinburgh due to an ankle sprain earlier this month. But is now back to full fitness, according to assistant coach Steve Tandy. His return will be a major lift for Gregor Townsend’s side as they look to start their campaign with a win.
However, concerns remain in the squad, particularly in the forward pack. Lock Jonny Gray has struggled with fitness, having played only three games since October and none since mid-December. He was expected to make his return for Bordeaux against Lyon last weekend, but the club deemed him unfit to play.
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Six Nations 2025: Scotland Receives Boost as Key Players Return to Training
There is still hope he could feature against Italy, but doubts persist over his match sharpness, prompting the call-ups of Cameron Henderson and Ewan Johnson. With a growing list of absentees, including Josh Bayliss, Sione Tuipulotu, and Scott Cummings. The Team will need their returning stars like Van der Merwe to make an immediate impact.
Scotland received a double boost ahead of their Six Nations 2025 opener against Italy as locks Jonny Gray and Grant Gilchrist returned to training after recovering from injuries. Gray had been sidelined since mid-December with an ankle issue, missing several matches for Bordeaux-Bègles. Gilchrist was out with a hand injury that kept him from playing for Edinburgh.
The return of Gray and Gilchrist, however, strengthens the pack and provides valuable experience ahead of Saturday’s match at Murrayfield. The squad remains without captain Sione Tuipulotu, who recently underwent surgery for a chest muscle tear.
As well as hooker Dylan Richardson (shoulder) and number eight Josh Bayliss (groin). Despite these setbacks, the return of Gray, Gilchrist, and record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe to training gives Scotland renewed optimism as they prepare for their Six Nations campaign.
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