Jamie Ritchie hoping form can earn Scotland spot after overcoming captaincy blow
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Jamie Ritchie is “really proud” of the way he has responded to the blow of losing the Scotland captaincy a year ago and believes his game is in good order ahead of the upcoming Guinness Six Nations. The 28-year-old back-rower was one of the first names on Gregor Townsend’s team sheet as he skippered the Scots from the autumn of 2022 through to the 2023 World Cup in France.
However, Ritchie’s status within the squad has been diminished somewhat over the past year since he was replaced as captain and simultaneously lost his starting place at the start of last year. The Edinburgh flanker – who started just two games in the 2024 Six Nations and then just one of the autumn Tests – believes he has bounced back strongly and is in upbeat mood heading into this year’s championship.
“Yeah, obviously it was disappointing,” said Ritchie. “It’s something that I really enjoyed doing, being captain. But I think for me it didn’t define who I was. “I’m the same person with or without the armband and I would try and be the same person in and around camps whether that’s leading by example or using my voice. I am still that person.
“Obviously, there was disappointment in and around selection but again, that’s outwith my control. All I can do is prepare as best I can to play or prepare the team as best I can to play at the weekend if I’m not involved. It's not up to me but I'd love to be selected. Any opportunity you get to put on a Scotland jersey, I relish it.
“I felt really proud of how I reacted to that and my performances for Edinburgh off the back of the Six Nations. I felt like I was playing some of my best rugby and I’m hoping that I’ve continued that form into this season and that maybe I’ll get some more opportunity to play for Scotland.
