Who is Alex Masibaka? Meet Scotland's 18st Aussie-born powerhouse plucked from France's second tier to add explosive edge to Gregor Townsend's Six Nations pack
Who is Alex Masibaka? Meet Scotland's 18st Aussie-born powerhouse plucked from France's second tier to add explosive edge to Gregor Townsend's Six Nations pack
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Any fears that Gregor Townsend had lost his lust for landing left-field recruits to the Scottish cause can now be safely laid to rest. If the head coach’s original squad for the Six Nations had been along tried and trusted lines, with just two uncapped players in it – back-rower Jack Mann and Saracens fly-half Fergus Burke – then he has cast his net further in his quest to find suitable injury replacements ahead of this weekend’s opener against Italy at Murrayfield.
![[The 6ft 1in, 18st back-rower will bring power to Scotland's pack after earning a call-up]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/27/14/94561409-14330051-image-a-2_1737989198275.jpg)
A groin strain sustained by Josh Bayliss playing for Bath on Sunday, combined with the absence of Edinburgh pair Ben Muncaster and Magnus Bradbury due to injury and suspension respectively, had left Scotland light on back-row options, specifically at No 8.
![[Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has gone to the ends of the earth to find the best talent for his side again]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/27/15/94562959-14330051-image-a-5_1737991475307.jpg)
Arriving to supplement those numbers has come the hulking figure of Alex Masibaka, a call-up that demonstrates that Townsend hasn’t lost his touch when it comes to unearthing Scottish-qualified talent from all corners of the globe. Like many of his new team-mates, Masibaka has a diverse heritage and is eligible for a number of different countries. Born in Perth, Australia to a Scottish mum, Melanie, and dad Massi from Fiji, Masibaka featured at Under 18 and Under 20 age group rugby for Australia and looked on course to one day become a senior Wallaby.
![[Jack Dempsey, who was also born in Australia and won 14 Wallabies caps, has the No 8 shirt]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/27/14/94561639-14330051-image-a-4_1737989480004.jpg)
Including the four other players called up on Monday, means 15 of Townsend’s 39-man group were born outside of Scotland, and the figure would be higher if Sione Tuipulotu and Dylan Richardson had not pulled out injured. They have come from as close as Chester to the four Antipodeans in the team, including Masibaka.
