Tuipulotu ‘makes people follow him’ – Southwell

Former Scotland back Hugo Southwell says Gregor Townsend’s decision to make Sione Tuipulotu captain for the Autumn Nations Series was a “masterstroke” due to the centre’s ability to lead from the front.

Tuipulotu continued his top-class form throughout the autumn, helping the Scots to three wins from their four Tests and relishing the extra responsibility of captaincy.

Southwell compared the Glasgow Warriors star to a former teammate of his in Jason White as a player “everyone would follow”.

“It’s been a master-stroke,” Southwell told BBC Radio Scotland. “He relishes that opportunity. Some people, when they’re captain, the added pressure doesn’t bode well for them. But for him, it just lifts his game.

“He’s a guy who makes people follow him. I had a guy, Jason White, when we were playing. He said so many words but actually it was just leading from the front and he was playing to the top of his ability every single week, and everyone would follow him.

“That’s exactly what Sione’s doing at the moment and long may it continue.”