Scotland suffer Darcy Graham blow ahead of Nations Championship return

Scotland have been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of the return of the Nations Championship, with record try-scorer Darcy Graham ruled out of their November fixtures.

The Edinburgh winger has ruptured his bicep and is expected to spend at least 12 weeks on the sidelines, ruling him out of Scotland’s matches against New Zealand, Australia and Japan at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

Graham’s absence removes one of Gregor Townsend’s most established attacking threats at an important stage of the inaugural competition, with Scotland currently sitting second in the Northern Hemisphere standings.

Graham set for lengthy spell on sidelines

The 29-year-old suffered the injury following a collision while playing for Edinburgh during their pre-season preparations.

Edinburgh Head Coach Sean Everitt described the incident as “pretty freakish”, with Graham initially able to train before the extent of the damage was revealed by a scan.

“That’s not good news for us and not good news for him, especially with the autumn series coming up,” Everitt said.

Graham is expected to be unavailable for a minimum of 12 weeks, meaning his recovery could extend towards Christmas.

The winger has scored 38 tries in 57 appearances for Scotland, making him the country’s record try-scorer and underlining the scale of the setback for Townsend ahead of three important Nations Championship matches.

Scotland well placed after opening Nations Championship fixtures

Graham’s injury comes with Scotland firmly involved near the top of the Northern Hemisphere table following the first three rounds of the Nations Championship.

Townsend’s side began their campaign with a 47-38 victory against Argentina before losing 42-28 to South Africa in Pretoria. Scotland responded by beating Fiji 33-17 at Scottish Gas Murrayfield to record a second victory from three matches.

Those results leave Scotland second in the Northern Hemisphere standings on 11 points, one behind leaders France and one ahead of both England and Ireland.

The competition resumes in November when Southern Hemisphere teams travel north for the remaining three rounds.

New Zealand first up for Scotland in November

Scotland return to Nations Championship action against New Zealand at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday 7th November, before welcoming Australia on Sunday 15th November.

Their final league-stage fixture will be against Japan on Saturday 21st November.

Graham will miss all three matches, leaving Scotland to adjust their back three as they look to maintain their position towards the top of the Northern Hemisphere standings.

The Nations Championship then concludes with Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November. Each Northern Hemisphere nation will face the team that finishes in the corresponding position in the Southern Hemisphere table, culminating with the first-placed teams meeting in the competition’s Grand Final.

Nations Championship hospitality with Eventmasters

Scotland will play all three of their November Nations Championship fixtures at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, with New Zealand, Australia and Japan travelling to Edinburgh during a major month of international rugby.

Eventmasters offers official hospitality packages for Scotland v New Zealand on Saturday 7th November, Scotland v Australia on Sunday 15th November and Scotland v Japan on Saturday 21st November 2026.

Guests can enjoy Scotland’s Nations Championship fixtures from premium hospitality facilities at Murrayfield, combining high-profile international rugby with first-class dining and exclusive matchday experiences.

FAQs

Why will Darcy Graham miss the Nations Championship?

Graham has suffered a ruptured bicep and is expected to be sidelined for at least 12 weeks, ruling him out of Scotland’s three November Nations Championship fixtures.

Who are Scotland playing in the Nations Championship in November?

Scotland face New Zealand on Saturday 7th November, Australia on Sunday 15th November and Japan on Saturday 21st November. All three matches take place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

Where are Scotland in the Nations Championship standings?

Scotland are currently second in the Northern Hemisphere standings with 11 points from three matches, one point behind France.