Shamed Rufus McLean WON'T face Scotland next month, with US rugby chiefs set to keep him away from Murrayfield

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Shamed former Scotland star Rufus McLean will play NO part in the American Eagles’ match at Murrayfield next month despite being named in the US squad for their autumn internationals.

Tthe winger, who admitted abusing his then girlfriend Cara Haston over a period of almost two years, will be sidelined for the game against Gregor Townsend’s side on November 1 following concerns over his appearance at the home of Scottish Rugby.

After Daily Mail Sport had revealed McLean would be absent, a statement from USA Rugby later confirmed the decision, saying: ‘USA Rugby is aware of Rufus’ history, and appreciates the impact the November 1st match may have on the situation and those involved.

‘After internal discussion, consideration with Scottish Rugby and with respect to all parties, Rufus will not participate or be present at the match.’

Boston-born McLean, who won three caps for Scotland and scored twice on his debut against Tonga in 2021, was sacked by Glasgow Warriors after pleading guilty to the charge in 2023.

He was eventually sentenced to 120 hours of community service and banned from contacting Ms Haston for 10 years.

During the woman’s ordeal, McLean had demanded passwords to social media accounts and kept a ‘tracker’ service running on her phone so he knew of her whereabouts.

In one incident, he admitted leaving her with a burst lip and a black eye after pushing her off him.

Rugby player Rufus McLean at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after he was sentenced 

He also sent her abusive text and social-media messages.

The charge, relating to the period between April 2019 and January 2021, said he repeatedly shouted, swore and acted aggressively towards her and told her what clothes she could and could not wear.

McLean left Scotland to play for American Raptors, then moved on to Houston Sabercats, and has made appearances for the US national side.

Concerns were initially raised over his potential return to Scotland when he was named in the American Eagles squad earlier this year.

It’s understood that several discussions have taken place between Scottish Rugby and the victim’s family over the possibility of an appearance in the autumn test.

News that he will not feature is likely to be a massive relief to Ms Haston and her family, who have previously been critical of McLean’s move to American club rugby.

Speaking to Daily Mail Sport at the time McLean joined Raptors, the victim’s father, Nick Haston, said the family were ‘shocked and surprised’ that a club in the US had signed him.

He said: ‘This comes only 10 months after his sentencing during which he was told his crimes, over a 20-month period, met the threshold for a custodial sentence. I’m not sure how this sits with USA Rugby Values or those of world rugby.

‘Having experienced how this whole saga was handled by the SRU and Glasgow Warriors and some in the Scottish rugby community, it’s saddening to see that a US team now also appear to have a commercial view of the seriousness of domestic abuse.’

He highlighted how the French Rugby Federation (FFR) dealt with former France international Mohamed Haouas after the prop was handed a one-year prison sentence for domestic violence in May 2023. The FFR stated Haouas would no longer be considered for international duty and a planned move to Clermont was called off.

McLean had already appeared for Scotland... but after pleading guilty, he left for the US and has been playing for their national team

‘The FFR were clear about Mohamed Haouas when he was sentenced to a one-year prison term for domestic violence,’ he said. ‘The FFR stated that his actions “were contrary to the principles that underpin our sport”. It appears that for some elite sporting organisations principles are just words.’

At the time, the Haston family said they were ‘relieved’ their ‘four-year ordeal’ had come to a conclusion but slammed rugby authorities for continuing to give McLean a public platform - even after he admitted the charges in court.

McLean’s suspension from Glasgow Warriors was not revealed publicly and was only discovered because the player had appeared in court. Almost a month after his appearance, Glasgow Warriors announced that they had suspended the player from all club activity and insisted they had taken the matter ‘extremely seriously’.

They added that an internal investigation had been instigated and a disciplinary hearing would be held.

His contract was eventually terminated on the grounds of ‘gross misconduct’ and ‘breach of contract’.

McLean will not play any part in the USA's preparations for the Scotland match. However, he has been included in American Eagles squad to take on Georgia and Romania on their tour next month.