It follows a fan vote that celebrated the back rower’s breathtaking effort against Australia in Edinburgh after coming on as a replacement in the 63rd minute. The stunning score came after Bayliss had drifted out to the wing and took a pass from Darcy Graham, who himself had done tremendously well to evade capture.
Standing between the 27-year-old Bath forward and the try line were three Wallabies defenders. Determination etched on his face, Bayliss rounded the first man and, aided by a devastating fend, was able to power his way to the line with a further two Australians trying to stop him.
The try served to break Australian hearts and will live long in the memory of Scottish rugby fans. It garnered an astonishing 74% of the vote, ahead of terrific tries by Max Jorgensen (AUS), Bautista Delguy (ARG) and Vasil Lobzhanidze (GEO).
Bayliss’s career so far
Born in Bath and qualifying for Scotland through his grandmother, Bayliss made his debut for the national team in 2021 after impressing with his performances for his West Country club. A product of the prestigious Millfield School, his is a player of great speed, agility, and rugby intelligence.
At Bath, Bayliss has emerged as a key figure, combining athleticism with a strong work ethic. He is one of the club’s lineout callers and has featured across the back row. Earlier this year he signed a new three-year deal that will keep him at the Recreation Ground until 2027, underlining his importance to the team.
As well as sweeping to the Try of the Series award, Bayliss’s wider efforts during the 2024 Autumn Nations Series also earned him recognition from the Gallagher Premiership as one of their top three performers during the campaign.
Scotland's Autumn success
Their Autumn Nations Series campaign ended on a high note with a commanding 27-13 victory over Australia at a raucous Murrayfield, sealing an impressive three wins out of four. Gregor Townsend's side showcased their attacking flair and depth, especially in a blistering second-half performance that saw tries from Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Josh Bayliss, and Finn Russell.
This victory capped a strong autumn for Scotland, marked by wins over Fiji, Portugal, and Australia, and a closely-fought loss to world champion South Africa. As Townsend reflects on the series, there’s still room for improvement, but Scotland can be proud of their progress as they look toward the Six Nations.
