Scotland names a forty-player Six Nations group

Gregor Townsend selected a forty-player Scotland group for the men’s Six Nations, which begins for his side with a visit to Italy. Scottish Rugby described the squad as largely settled while identifying several developing players and returning experienced internationals.

Edinburgh forwards Liam McConnell and Freddy Douglas retained places after their international debuts and subsequent club development. Townsend praised McConnell’s consistency and Douglas’s ability to win possession in the tackle area, alongside improvements in other parts of his game.

Dave Cherry and Jonny Gray add experience following performances for Vannes and Bordeaux respectively. A separate fifteen-player A group supplements preparations for an Italy A fixture on the eve of the opening Test, expanding the representative opportunity beyond the main championship squad.