Scotland recall Ali Price and leave door open for third World Cup appearance

Ali Price has been handed a route back into Scotland’s World Cup plans after forwards coach John Dalziel confirmed the Montpellier scrum-half is not out of contention for next year’s tournament in Australia, following his surprise recall to Gregor Townsend’s squad this week.

Price, 33, had gone two years without a Scotland appearance since winning his 68th cap against Fiji in November 2024, and his Test career appeared to be over. His return was triggered by Gus Warr’s departure back to Sale ahead of Sunday’s Nations Championship fixture against Australia at Murrayfield.

“He’s playing in a very, very strong team out in the Top 14 that are winning a lot,” Dalziel said. “He’s playing and starting a lot, so of course he does [have a chance]. With the competition in a lot of places that we have in the squad, he was probably unfortunate to miss out. He was strongly considered when the initial squad was named.”

Ben White, George Horne and Jamie Dobie have moved ahead of Price in Scotland’s scrum-half hierarchy in recent seasons, and Dalziel acknowledged that trio’s development as the primary reason for his exile. But the forwards coach was clear that Price’s consistent form in the French top flight keeps him relevant as Scotland shape a 33-man World Cup roster.

“We need to try and plan and anticipate for that and see what it looks like, but also have the ability in these campaigns to reward good form,” Dalziel said. “Ali is not out the window completely. I must say he’s come back in seamlessly and trained really well and adds really well to a meeting.”

Price, a 2021 British and Irish Lion who featured at both the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, would be 34 by the time the tournament begins in Australia. Dalziel framed the recall as part of a deliberate strategy to maintain depth and keep fringe players match-sharp and connected to the national setup, rather than simply a short-term fix for Warr’s absence.

“It’s about that ability to not go crazy with the squad number, but be able to bring guys in and out and get that exposure,” he said. “Keep that connection and keep them in the groove of it as well.”