Scotland stars stunned after surprise visit from Greenock granny at Murrayfield

A PAIR of brothers who qualify for Scotland’s national rugby team through their Greenock-born gran were left stunned after she was secretly flown over from Australia to watch them play.

Captain Sione Tuipulotu and brother Mosese believed their 77-year-old grandmother, Jaqueline Thomson, would never be able to watch them play in Scotland.

Scottish Rugby teamed up with Skyscanner to surprise the players by flying her home for the first time in 12 years.

Greenock-born Jaqueline (as seen in the video) gran to Sione Tuipulotu and brother Mosese (Image: Scottish Rugby) The travel comparison site secured Jaqueline’s flights and accommodation to allow her to watch her grandsons in action alongside their mum, Angelina.

Mosese is set to feature when Scotland A host Chile at the Hive Stadium on Saturday, with Sione leading the national side against Australia on Sunday at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

READ MORE: Sione Tuipulotu to captain Scotland in autumn series

The two Australians thought they were about to surprise an ‘ultimate fan’ in the dressing room at the Edinburgh stadium as part of a Skyscanner promotion, but were instead greeted by their beloved ‘Greenock granny’.

Sione told Scottish Rugby: “It caught me off guard. It’s not something I thought would be possible.

“I’m over the moon and feeling so happy about everything. Mosese has always been my gran’s favourite and it’s so cool she will get to see the two of us play this week.

“I’m really looking forward to running out in front of a packed out stadium and then looking up into the stands during the anthems to see my mum and gran. It’ll be so special.

“My gran is such a character and is probably where we get most of our personality from. I’m so happy that everyone will get to meet her and put a face to everything.

“I’m so grateful to Skyscanner for organising everything.

“I’d given up hope of my gran coming to see my play in Scotland so for it now to be a reality is just unbelievable.”

Sione in action for Scotland (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire) Glasgow Warrior centre Sione, 27, was recently named Scotland captain by boss Gregor Townsend for this month’s autumn series.

The appointment coincided with 23-year-old Mosese, who plays for Edinburgh, receiving his first call-up to the national side.

Jaqueline has been delighting fans online since the announcement, replying to messages and revelling in the news.

She said: “I’ve had such an amazing week.

“It’s been incredible to have Skyscanner fly me back home and surprise the boys. They were both so stunned.

“I’m excited for this weekend – getting to watch my grandsons play for Scotland and sing Flower of Scotland with them will be so special.”