Disgraced Scotland Star Swaps Nations – Set to Face England This Summer

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Once seen as one of Scotland's brightest rugby prospects, McLean’s career hit a wall after he pleaded guilty to domestic abuse charges in 2023. Glasgow Warriors wasted no time in sacking the winger, citing gross misconduct and a serious breach of contract. Court proceedings revealed a harrowing two-year campaign of abuse against his former partner. McLean was handed a 10-year non-harassment order and sentenced to 120 hours of community service.

Now, less than two years on from that disgrace, the 24-year-old has resurfaced on the other side of the Atlantic. McLean has been named in the USA Eagles squad and is set to face England later this month – a dramatic twist for a player once capped by Scotland at every level.

McLean burst onto the scene with Glasgow in 2020 and was quickly tipped for stardom. He made his debut against Edinburgh and won Glasgow’s 'Try of the Season' award for a stunning solo effort against the Dragons. He earned his first senior Scotland cap in 2021, scoring two tries on debut against Tonga, and also featured for Scotland 'A' in 2022.

But after his contract termination and fall from grace, few expected to see him in international colours again.

Now, with USA Rugby giving him a second chance, McLean could line up against the country he once represented – in one of the most controversial selection stories in recent memory.

USA are also due to face Belgium and Spain in the coming weeks.