The touring Scotland rugby team is bringing their strongest 36-member squad in their mission to win their three July Test matches against the Maori All Blacks, Flying Fijians and Samoa. Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend after naming the squad said this is their strongest squad for the tour. “Most of these players have played a lot of Six Nations in particular against France,” he said. “This is an opportunity for them to get more international game time.” The Scottish squad has included former Crusaders first-five eight Fergus Blake who will be making his Test debut and winger Darcy Graham who scored four tries in last November’s 57-17 win over the Flying Fijians. The Scots face the Maori All Blacks on July 4 at Semenoff Stadium in Whanagarei. Then they’ll fly to Suva to take on the Flying Fijians at the HFC Bank Stadium on July 12 before returning to Auckland to play Samoa on July 18 at Eden Park. “Every test match is always important since it is an opportunity to play for your country and to come out with a win,” Townsend said. He indicated that this year it is more relevant because the Rugby World Cup 2027 pool draws will be done after the November Test matches. “That is why these two campaigns are important to win because we need to be in the highest place in terms of rankings so you could be in the easier side of the World Cup pool. Our best chance is to be in the top six (rankings),” Townsend added. He highlighted that they are looking forward to be in Fiji. “Fiji, is what Brazil is too football. Driving from the airport to the hotel you see people playing rugby, five-a-side or 20-a-side. “The Fiji experience is unique especially in rugby. We’re expecting physical challenges from these three teams. Scotland is going play again in New Zealand and the last time was in 2000.” Townsend also indicated the experience of taking on three warrior teams of the Maori, Fiji and Samoa is something that is going to benefit his players. The Scots have named Alexander Masibaka, a player of Fijian descent in their squad. The former Western Force loose forward qualifies to play for Scotland through his mother while his dad is Fijian. Masibaka is expected to make his Test debut in the July Test matches after he had joined the squad during the Six Nations Cup. Townsend has appointed Rory Darge to captain the touring squad. Scotland squad: Ewan Ashman, Josh Bayliss, Gregor Brown, Matt Ferguson, Rory Darge (captain), Grant Gilchrist, Patrick Harrison, Cameron Henderson, Alec Hepburn, Will Hurd, Alexander Masibaka, Nathan McBeth, Elliot Millar Mills, Ben Muncaster, Andy Onyeama- Christie, Fin Richardson, Rory Sutherland, Marshall Sykes, George Turner, Max Williamson, Jamie Ritchie. Fergus Burke, Matt Currie, Jamie Dobie, Darcy Graham, Adam Hastings, George Horne, Tom Jordan, Cameron Redpath, Stafford McCowall, Harry Paterson, Arron Reed, Kyle Rowe, Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn, Ben White. How to purchase Tickets online: Visit ticketmate.com.fj Click on the event: ”FIJI Water Flying Fijians vs. Scotland” Select your preferred seating category Complete your secure online payment Receive your e-ticket via email (print or save on your device) Alternative Ticket Purchase Locations: For those who prefer in-person purchases, tickets are also available at: Fiji Sports Council Grills Restaurant and Bar Fiji Rugby House Tech 360 Fiji Ticket Pricing: Platinum (Flat Seating): $150 Gold (Flat Seating): $100 Concrete (Flat Seating): $40 Grass (Adult): $25 Grass (Kids Under 12): $15 Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj