SCOTTISH RUGBY have backed the national team players who decided not to ‘take the knee’ prior to Saturday’s Six Nations opener against England. 

Only four of Gregor Townend’s men decided to kneel prior to the Twickenham showdown, while 18 members of England’s squad showed their support to the Rugby Against Racism movement. 

A statement from Murrayfield bosses made clear that Scottish Rugby is in full support of the fight to end racism in sport, and the governing body also explained why the players were not forced to conduct the pre-match gesture. 

An SRU spokesperson said: “Scottish Rugby fully supports rugby’s on-going work to end discrimination and racism in our sport.  

“This commitment has been expressed with a moment of reflection before every international match since the summer of 2020 and our players are free to demonstrate their support for this important issue in the way they see fit.” 

Victorious coach Townsend also had his say on the matter during a radio interview with BBC Scotland. Asked if he and his players had discussed the issue beforehand, Townsend clarified: “No. We’d been told there were a few things before the game rightly, commemorating those that died in the pandemic, a few former England internationals that had died in the past few weeks, a minute’s applause for Captain Sir Tom and the recognition of stamping out racism. 

“It has taken place in games previously in the season, that was part of it and we obviously stand against racism and discrimination in our sport. 

When questioned whether it was the players’ decision, Townsend added: “100 per cent we back our players on that.” 

Scotland pulled off a stunning shock at Twickenham as they ended a 38-year wait for a win on away soil in a Calcutta Cup clash. 

A try from Duhan van der Merwe and penalty kicks from Finn Russell were enough to secure a 6-11 victory for the Scots and they now welcome Wales to Edinburgh next week.