CENTRES
13. Outside Centre – Scott Hastings
A legend of the Scotland’s late amateur era, who ushered the national side into the professional rugby landscape. Scott Hastings was at times overshadowed by his brother Gavin, however in our eyes he makes the starting XV, with Gavin amongst the back-three replacements. A lifelong Edinburgh midfielder, Hastings’ ability to glide passed his opponents made him one of the most revered players North of the border. Hasting’s iconic try-saving tackle on Rory Underwood lives long in Scottish memory, as he stopped England from scoring, and in turn won the historic 1990 Six Nations Grand Slam decider.
12. Inside Centre – John Leslie
With an honourable mention to Alan Tait, John Leslie pulled the strings in the Scottish midfield from 1998 to 2002. The centre was originally from Lower Hutt, New Zealand and enjoyed a globetrotting career that took him from his homeland, to Japan, Newcastle and Northampton Saints. Leslie’s line-breaks were second to none in his hay-day, and he claims the honour of scoring the nation’s fastest ever try against Wales. Leslie was named Player of the Tournament in the 1999 Five Nations, and after his international retirement saw out his playing days back home in Otago.
HALFBACKS
10. Fly Half – Finn Russell
It simply had to be Finn Russell. The Premiership’s maverick fly-half has settled nicely into his new home at the Recreation Ground, after moving to Bath from Racing 92 over the Summer. The tantalising Scotland talisman is an unpredictable bag of tricks, who’s infectious personality makes him one of the most popular men on the pitch. Formerly of Glasgow and Ayr, Russell has also shone for the Barbarians and has a British & Irish Lions test cap from the 2021 Tour to South Africa. At times unplayable, when Russell retires he will in no doubt go down as an all-time great.
9. Scrum Half – Greig Laidlaw
When Greig Laidlaw was flung into the spotlight for the 2012 Six Nations, few would have thought that the ‘quick-fix’ to Dan Parks’ sudden retirement, would go on to be arguably Scotland’s greatest ever scrum-half. Laidlaw and Russell formed a telepathic wavelength during their halfback partnership, with the number nine all but tattooed onto the back of the man from Edinburgh. Frequently taken the honour of Scotland captain, Laidlaw led his nation for seven years before hanging up his test match boots in 2019, for his 76th and final Scotland cap.