EXCLUSIVE: Sale Sharks star Warr to be named in Townsend's Scotland squad for summer tour of North and South America

Gus Warr is set to make his Scotland debut this summer, with the Sale scrum-half poised to be named in Gregor Townsend’s squad for the tour of North and South America.

Manchester-born Warr has emerged as a key figure for Alex Sanderson’s Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership, establishing himself as the club’s first-choice No 9.

The 24-year-old has played for both England and Scotland at Under-20 level but is ready to throw his hat in with Townsend’s side.

Mail Sport understands he will be part of the squad named on Wednesday for Scotland’s matches with Canada, USA, Chile and Uruguay in July.

Warr has been in regular conversation with Townsend over a senior call-up. He is one of a number of new players the Scotland head coach is keen to look at next month.

He qualifies for Scotland through his mother, who is from Strathaven. He also wore a blue shirt for the country’s Under-18s and Under-19s.

With Scotland’s age grade system struggling to produce players, Townsend is keen to add to the depth of his squad with those eligible from across the globe.

Mail Sport understands Scotland have also explored the option of picking hooker Jack Singleton who is now eligible to switch countries as the last of his three England caps came in 2019.

However, it looks unlikely the front-row forward - currently with French side Toulon on loan from Gloucester - will be picked by Townsend this week.

Young hookers Paddy Harrison and Gregor Hiddleston are in the frame for call-ups instead.

Townsend is also a big fan of Saracens-bound fly-half Fergus Burke who will join the Premiership side from New Zealand outfit Crusaders this summer.

Burke also qualifies for England as well as Scotland.

Burke and centre Mosese Tuipulotu are two players currently based in the southern hemisphere who could soon be seen in a Scotland shirt, possibly as soon as this summer.

The fact the Crusaders and Tuipulotu’s Waratahs didn’t make the Super Rugby play-offs could expediate their transition north.

Tuipulotu is joining Edinburgh for next season - as MailSport revealed in May. There is every chance he could join his brother Sione in Townsend’s squad this week.

Warr’s Sale colleague Arron Reed will be included. Like Warr, Reed also qualifies for England. He was part of Scotland’s Six Nations squad earlier this year although he did not play.

Scotland face four summer games, with their first taking place against Canada in Ottawa on July 6.

Townsend’s side then meet USA at Washington DC’s Audi Field on July 12 before they head south.

Matches with Chile in Santiago and Uruguay in Montevideo on July 20 and 27 complete an eclectic but important tour in which Scotland should really be targeting four wins.