Jack Dempsey, the number eight once sidelined by the Australian national team, has established himself as an indispensable figure for Scotland rugby His journey represents a remarkable turnaround for a player who earned 14 caps for the Wallabies and appeared at the 2019 Rugby World Cup before falling out of favour under then-coach Dave Rennie Rennie had noted, “We always felt he lacked a bit of physicality,” a critique that marked a turning point in Dempsey’s international career
Following a three-year period away from Test rugby, Dempsey’s career took what he described as a “long and weird road” He became eligible to represent Scotland in 2022, a switch made possible through his Scottish grandfather and in line with international eligibility pathways Now playing for Glasgow Warriors, he has seized the opportunity to redefine his career on the world stage, becoming a central figure in Scotland's forward pack
Ironically, the physicality once questioned has become his defining attribute in a Scottish jersey His performances have drawn high praise, with former Scotland number eight Johnnie Beattie suggesting Dempsey is “probably the best we've had” in the professional era, comparable only to a fit Simon Taylor Beattie lauded his contributions, describing him as “really dynamic, impactful, has tireless workrate and he’s got a real point of difference,” adding that he provides the team with “go forward and metres that are hard earned”
ISN MEDIA