Scotland No.8 Jack Dempsey will leave Glasgow Warriors this summer after agreeing a move to a club in Japan, according to the BBC.
The back-row forward has been one of Scotland’s standout performers during the Six Nations, delivering powerful displays in victories over England and France.
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However, the switch to Japan raises significant questions over his international future.
Japan Rugby League One runs from December through to May, which clashes with major international windows. As a result, it remains unclear whether Dempsey will be available for Scotland’s Nations Championship fixtures in November.
He would also be unlikely to feature in the 2027 Six Nations unless Scottish Rugby can negotiate a release agreement with his new club.
Any prolonged absence from Test rugby could impact his chances of selection for Gregor Townsend’s squad for next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Contract Talks Broke Down
It is understood that Glasgow Warriors had been in advanced discussions with Dempsey over a new contract that would have kept him at Scotstoun beyond this season.
However, negotiations reportedly stalled over the length of the deal.
With Dempsey turning 32 next month, the powerful No.8 has now opted to accept a lucrative offer to continue his career in Japan.
The identity of his new club has not yet been confirmed.
Turner Example Shows Potential Scotland Impact
Dempsey may face a similar situation to Scotland hooker George Turner.
Turner did not play for Scotland during his season in Japan with Kobelco Kobe Steelers and only returned to the national setup after joining Harlequins last summer.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Dempsey was born in Sydney but qualifies for Scotland through family heritage.
• He previously won 14 caps for Australia before switching to Scotland in 2022.
• The back-rower spent seven seasons with the NSW Waratahs before joining Glasgow in 2021.
• He represented Scotland at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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