Jack Dempsey Will Represent Scotland This November
The 32-year-old forward will join Scotland for autumn international matches before returning to club duties.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Soccer
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Jack Dempsey is set to play for Scotland during the November 2026 Nations Championship fixtures against New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. He will also participate in the Nations Championship play-off match at Twickenham.
Why it matters
The decision allows Dempsey to honor his club contract with Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan while continuing his international career. He intends to prioritize his Top League club obligations during the 2027 Six Nations window to ensure his availability for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Jack Dempsey is currently 32 years old and has earned 35 caps for Scotland throughout his career. Toshiba Brave Lupus head coach Joshua Syms recently received two separate complaints regarding the intensity of his physical play during training.
The players
Jack Dempsey
He is a professional rugby player with 35 Scotland caps who previously represented Australia in 14 matches.
Toshiba Brave Lupus
This is a professional rugby club based in Fuchu, Japan, that competes in the Japanese Top League.
Joshua Syms
He serves as the head coach for the Toshiba Brave Lupus rugby team.
The details
Toshiba Brave Lupus, based in Fuchu, has agreed to release Dempsey for the upcoming autumn internationals. Dempsey previously switched his international allegiance after completing a three-year stand-down period based on his Scottish grandfather.
Timeline
November 2026: Dempsey plays for Scotland in autumn internationals.
February 2027: The Six Nations tournament begins.
March 2027: The Six Nations tournament ends.
2027: The Rugby World Cup takes place in Australia.
Season Trajectory
This schedule highlights the increasing tension between professional club commitments in the Japanese Top League and traditional Northern Hemisphere international windows. Dempsey's availability for only specific test matches suggests a shift in how dual-league players manage their workload.
Dempsey will be absent from Scotland's roster during the entirety of the 2027 Six Nations tournament due to his Top League commitments. His participation in the November matches and the Twickenham play-off remains his only guaranteed international action for the 2026-2027 season.
The takeaway
Players balancing careers in the Japanese Top League and international test rugby often face difficult compromises regarding seasonal availability. Managing club and national team expectations is vital for veterans aiming to remain competitive through the 2027 World Cup cycle.
Further reading
For more updates on international player availability and scheduling, visit the Soccer section.
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