BEING KNOWN as a ‘super sub’ is not the worst thing in the world, but for George Horne the label has become restrictive. While the scrum-half has finally established himself as first choice at Glasgow Warriors in the 18 months since Franco Smith took charge, he has remained a bit-part player with Scotland, Gregor Townsend preferring to employ his pace and panache from the bench, if at all.
Only three of the 28-year-old’s 26 caps have come as a starter – his first two Test appearances in North America back in 2018, then in the rout of Russia at the World Cup the following year.
Ever since, Horne has had to content himself with cameos here and there behind Ali Price and, latterly, Ben White. Only three times has he had more than 30 minutes in a single match.
When it comes to the Six Nations, the picture is even more stark. Although Horne missed the whole of the 2021 tournament due toappearances is still striking. Four of them came in 2020, with the other two materialising last year when he replaced White in the final quarter of the thrilling wins over England and Wales with which Scotland opened up.
