Former Hurricanes and Māori All Blacks forward Blade Thomson is to become the latest 'kilted Kiwi', after being named in Scotland's 40-man squad for the upcoming November test window.
The 27-year-old is one of three uncapped players named in Gregor Townsend's side, as they cast an eye towards next year's World Cup.
The other two uncapped players are Australian Sam Johnson and former England youth international Sam Skinner.
Thomson, who currently plays for Welsh side Scarlets, qualifies for Scotland through his Scottish grandfather. He recently made the move north, after 45 games for the Hurricanes between 2013-18.
"Blade is probably the most established from the three, given he's a bit older and has played Super Rugby for the last three seasons," said Townsend.
"We've known about him and his Scottish qualification for a few years. I was even interested in signing him for Glasgow, before he missed a couple of years through injury.
"So it's great to see him fit and playing number eight for the Hurricanes, and playing very well for the Scarlets."
Thomson recently told BBC Wales that he had thought about wearing the thistle on his chest in the past.
"[I'm] lying if I said I hadn't thought about it," Thomson said.
"But, to be honest, this [Scarlets] is my job first and foremost. If it happens, it happens.
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, I suppose."
Fellow New Zealand-born player Sean Maitland has also been named in the squad.
Scotland face Wales in Cardiff on November 4 (NZ time), and then play at their Murrayfield home against Fiji on November 11, South Africa one week later and Argentina on November 25.
Other New Zealand-born players who have recently played for Scotland include Phil Burleigh, Nick Grigg, Blair Cowan, John Hardie, and Grayson Hart.
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