Former Springbok wing Bryan Habana says Dylan Richardson will serve Scotland with distinction after the Sharks flank was called up to the squad for the November internationals.

Richardson, who qualifies to play for Scotland due to his Edinburgh-born father, was among the South African-born players who were included in Scotland’s squad for the Tests against Tonga, Australia, South Africa and Japan.

While he was left out of the match-day 23 to face Tonga on Saturday, there is still a chance that Richardson could make his Test debut against the Springboks at Murrayfield on 13 November.

Habana is confident the 22-year-old loose forward will take his opportunity with both hands when it comes.

“Dylan has excelled in local rugby over the past year and a half. I do not like to say it, but we were a little stunned to see him in the Scottish set-up because he plays so well in South Africa,” Habana said.

“But clearly he has been in talks with Gregor [Townsend, Scotland coach] and the Scottish management for a while now.

“He was one of the Sharks’ standouts against the British & Irish Lions and is rightly regarded as someone with the abilities to play for Scotland.

“As we have seen with Duhan van der Merwe, the South Africans who are making the transition are playing with great enthusiasm for Scotland.

“If Dylan gets the opportunity, I would like to see how strong, energetic and positive he can be within that set-up.”

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