Jamie Ritchie is aiming for a Scotland recall on Monday after completing an eight-month injury recovery with a notable debut for Glasgow Warriors in Treviso.
The 30-year-old, who joined from Perpignan in the summer, finally made his first appearance for Glasgow after dealing with ankle and Achilles tendon issues.
Ritchie played the full 80 minutes at blindside flanker in Glasgow's 24-20 comeback win against Benetton, contributing a typically energetic and physical performance. His return to form comes just before Gregor Townsend announces his Scotland squad for the Nations Championship on Monday.
“I’ve been around long enough to know that all you can do is control how you play and how you present yourself,” Ritchie stated.
“I have international experience, so Gregor knows what I can offer if he picks me. My focus is on playing and training my best. If given the chance, I would love to be back involved.”
A return to the Scotland squad would mean facing tough competition. The back row now includes emerging talents like Gregor Brown, Liam McConnell, and Freddie Douglas, alongside established players such as Rory Darge, Matt Fagerson, Jack Dempsey, Magnus Bradbury, and Josh Bayliss. Ritchie acknowledged the increased competition, noting that selections can depend on specific game needs and player strengths.
“There was probably a time when you felt relatively sure of a place in the team,” Ritchie reflected. “But now, we all have different strengths, and it can be a case of choosing the right player for the situation. You might be playing well but still not get selected.”
“We’re all close, we support each other, but the competition for back-row spots in Scotland is significant. As with squad selection, all you can do is perform well and play to your strengths.”
Switching from Edinburgh, where he spent 11 years and served as captain, to Glasgow is a notable move for Scottish rugby fans. Ritchie admitted the transition felt unusual at first but has been welcomed by his new teammates.
“Putting on the kit felt a bit strange initially,” Ritchie said. “But the team has been incredibly welcoming. I’m genuinely excited. I’ve watched Glasgow for a long time, and I almost played for them early in my professional career, so this move has been on the cards for a while.
“I’m happy it’s happening now and eager to get started and continue improving.”
Glasgow attack coach Nigel Carolan had encouraged Ritchie to "unleash" himself before the match in Treviso, a venue where Glasgow had a poor recent record. Ritchie proved his worth with his work at the breakdown, tackling, and support play.
Regarding his debut, he commented: “Yeah, it felt good. My body took a bit longer to recover than I expected, but I’m just thrilled to be back on the field. I wasn’t sure I’d get through 80 minutes, but I managed and felt fine.
“I felt a bit rusty with some of my touches and movement, but I’m feeling good and I just want to keep playing.”
