Once touted as Scotland’s future, the former Glasgow Warrior is back on the international scene — this time wearing stars and stripes — despite a domestic abuse conviction.
Just over a year ago, Rufus McLean’s name vanished from Scottish rugby overnight.
A promising winger with searing pace and a dream debut for Scotland, McLean was swiftly dropped and then sacked after admitting to a two-year campaign of emotional and physical abuse against his former partner. The reaction from Scottish Rugby was decisive: gross misconduct, breach of contract, and a complete severing of ties.
Now, the 24-year-old is back in the rugby headlines — and not for reasons many would have hoped. McLean has been named in the USA Eagles squad for their upcoming summer internationals. One of those matches? Against England. But the real twist could come later this year when the US travel to Edinburgh to face Scotland at Murrayfield — the very stadium where McLean last pulled on a Scotland jersey.
From rising star to persona non grata
When McLean burst onto the scene in 2021, scoring twice on his Scotland debut against Tonga, many thought a long Test career was inevitable.
His speed was electric. His footwork, mesmerising. The kind of winger every coach dreams of.
And then came the courtroom revelations.
McLean pleaded guilty in January 2023 to a series of charges related to his abusive relationship with then-girlfriend Cara Haston. The details shocked the rugby world. His behaviour, according to court testimony, included controlling behaviour, emotional manipulation, and physical assault. The sheriff called it “deeply troubling.”
He was sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid work and handed a 10-year non-harassment order.
Scottish Rugby didn’t wait long. Within days, his contract was terminated.
America offers a second chance
With his Scottish rugby career in tatters and little chance of rehabilitation within the UK system, McLean looked elsewhere.
Born in Boston, McLean qualifies for the United States through his American mother. That loophole has now turned into a lifeline.
USA head coach Scott Lawrence included him in the summer squad for matches against Romania and England. It’s unclear whether the Eagles’ leadership group approved the selection or were even consulted.
There has been no official comment from USA Rugby about the decision or the ethics of recalling a player with a conviction for domestic abuse.
A potential showdown at Murrayfield
The real drama may not be in the summer matches but in the autumn.
Scotland are set to host the USA as part of the 2025 Autumn Nations Series, and barring injury or a change of heart, McLean could line up against his former teammates on his former home turf.
And yes, it could be at Murrayfield.
If that happens, it’ll be one of the most uncomfortable spectacles in recent Scottish rugby history.
A player who once wore the thistle, ran in tries under the Saltire, and was cheered by thousands — now returning in the opposition jersey after being cast out for off-field behaviour that horrified the rugby community.
Fallout and uncomfortable questions
The potential reunion has already triggered debate in rugby circles and beyond.
Some argue everyone deserves a second chance. Others — especially campaigners against domestic violence — say allowing McLean to return to international rugby sends the wrong message.
A senior figure in Scottish rugby (who asked not to be named) said: “There’s absolutely no way he’ll ever wear the Scotland jersey again, and we stand by that. But we can’t control who the USA picks.”
The Scottish Government has remained quiet so far. But if the match goes ahead and McLean plays, don’t be surprised to see a media storm or protests outside Murrayfield.
What fans are saying
Reaction among supporters has been polarising. Here’s what’s being said online and in forums:
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“Everyone deserves a second chance, but this feels tone-deaf.”
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“USA Rugby should be ashamed. They’re rewarding someone who’s shown no public remorse.”
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“If he scores a try at Murrayfield in a USA jersey, it’ll be the ugliest moment in our rugby history.”
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“The justice system handed him a sentence. He served it. Let him rebuild his life.”
There’s little consensus. But plenty of anger.
Career stats and current form
McLean hasn’t played top-level rugby since being sacked by the Glasgow Warriors in early 2023.
But he’s reportedly been training privately in the U.S. and staying match-fit. Some close to him claim he’s “turned a corner” and wants to prove himself again — though there’s been no public apology or interview that offers insight into his mindset now.
Here’s a quick look at his brief but headline-grabbing career so far:
| Year | Team | Caps | Tries | Notable Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Scotland | 3 | 2 | Debut vs Tonga (2 tries) |
| 2021–22 | Glasgow Warriors | 25+ | 6+ | URC regular |
| 2023 | Banned from Scottish Rugby | — | — | Domestic abuse conviction |
| 2025 | USA Eagles (named) | 0* | 0 | Expected debut vs Romania or England |
*Yet to appear at time of publication
So what now?
There’s no sign Scotland will object to the USA fixture, though the idea of McLean walking out onto the pitch at Murrayfield — again — is hard to imagine.
What kind of reception will he get? Will fans boo? Will players shake his hand?
Nobody knows.
But what’s clear is that McLean’s case isn’t just about one man’s rugby redemption arc. It’s a litmus test for how elite sport deals with domestic abuse, consequences, and the limits of forgiveness.
And whether talent still trumps accountability.
