I spoke to England but Scotland's style of play won me over, reveals Fergus Burke as he looks ahead to making a mark in the Six Nations
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Fergus Burke has revealed how he turned down an approach from England in favour of committing his international future to Scotland. Born and raised in New Zealand, the 25-year-old fly-half has been a man in demand since leaving Crusaders to join Saracens last summer.
![[Burke has revealed that Scotland's style of play with a big reason in rejecting England]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/22/19/94404417-0-image-a-17_1737575178049.jpg)
Burke’s performances for Sarries had caught the eye of both Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend as well as England boss Steve Borthwick. Indeed, Townsend revealed last week how he had been tracking Burke for a number of years after naming him in Scotland’s Six Nations squad.
![[Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend won the tug-o-war with England for Burke]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/22/19/94404497-0-image-a-18_1737575187830.jpg)
The Kiwi playmaker qualifies for Scotland through his Grandad, but he also qualified to play for England through his Mum. Burke has now revealed that he rebuffed an approach from England in favour of pledging his allegiance to Scotland. Fergus Burke will get to watch fellow No 10 Finn Russell at close range in Scotland training.
Burke has revealed that Scotland's style of play with a big reason in rejecting England. In particular, he feels that Scotland’s expansive style of play will be a better fit for the skillset he possesses. Asked whether he had any formal conversations with England, Burke said: ‘Yeah. It was kind of just around: “You’re close [to making the squad], so stay English qualified”. That type of route.
‘But I spoke to my family and made a decision to commit to Scotland - and it’s something that I don’t take for granted. ‘Simple as that. I’m just so grateful to be in this environment - it’s an awesome environment, a successful team and it was a no-brainer to represent Scotland.
