Gregor Townsend is monitoring the progress of Fin Smith with a view to calling up the Northampton Saints fly-half for the 2023 Six Nations.
The youngster was in fine form as Northampton thrashed Harlequins 46-17 in the Premiership to end a poor run.
“I have chatted to Fin Smith on three occasions now since the Six Nations and have chatted to other players who are dual qualified that have not made our squad,” said Townsend.
“He is definitely a player we think very highly of.
“He has played a lot of rugby at a young age and just turned 20 a few weeks ago. It was great to get to know the person as well. He has close links with my old club, his grandad played for Gala and the Lions and his mum is from a village three miles from Gala.
“It has been good to get that connection and see how his game is progressing. I thought one of his best games was at the weekend when he played Bath.
“I went down to watch the Premiership final against London Irish so yeah, he is progressing but we didn’t feel this tour is the right time for him and obviously he would have to make a commitment between us and England.”
Northampton: Furbank; Freeman, Proctor, Dingwall, Ramm; F Smith, Mitchell; Waller, Matavesi, Hill, Ribbans, Moon, Salakaia-Loto, Scott-Young, Ludlam (capt).
Replacements: Haywood, Iyogun, Petch, Wilkins, Graham, Braley, Hutchinson, Skosan.
Harlequins: David; Murley, Marchant, Esterhuizen, Bassett; Allan, Gjaltema; Baxter, Walker, Kerrod, Lamb, Hammond, White, Lawday, Dombrandt (capt)
Replacements: Musk, Els, Louw, Matthews, Wallace, Care, Edwards, Beard
2023 Six Nations Fixtures – Round One:
04/02/2023
- Wales vs Ireland – 14:15 (BBC)
- England vs Scotland – 16:45 (ITV)
05/02/2023
- Italy vs France – 15:00 (ITV)
2023 Six Nations – Round Two Fixtures:
11/02/2023
- Ireland vs France- 14:15 (ITV)
- Scotland vs Wales – 16:45 (BBC)
12/02/2023
- England vs Italy- 15:00 (ITV)
