Both players have captained Scotland already this season with Darge leading Scotland to victory over Italy in the summer and the following week Finn Russell took on the mantle in a memorable comeback victory over France at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

Glasgow Warriors flanker Darge made his debut for Scotland in 2022 against Wales and has gone on to make 15 appearances for his country.

Finn Russell made his debut 10 years ago and been an integral part of the Scotland squad ever since, collecting his 75th cap for Scotland at the Rugby World Cup, amassing 321 points thus far.

Gregor Townsend said: “Appointing co-captains for this year’s Guinness Six Nations allows us to further grow and develop the leadership within the squad.

“Rory and Finn captained Scotland last summer and bring different strengths and styles of leadership to the table.

“Both are highly respected within our squad and have been part of our leadership group for some time. I’m sure they will thrive with this responsibility and lean on our other leaders to drive certain aspects of our preparation, mindset and performance.

“Jamie has done an excellent job as our captain since October 2022 and he will continue to be one of the key leaders in our group. He now has the opportunity to focus more on his game and deliver his best rugby over the next few weeks.”

Rory Darge said: “I enjoyed captaining the team last summer and immediately felt proud when Gregor told me the news.

“To co-captain your country is a tremendous honour and to do it alongside a guy like Finn who is respected across the game and such a talented player will be great for me.

“Everyone in our leadership group plays a vital role and we all have strengths that will take the team forward.

“This year’s Guinness Six Nations represents a chance for us to continue to progress as a group and everyone is looking forward to that first game against Wales”

Finn Russell: “Playing for Scotland is a huge honour and to co-captain the side is a privilege and something I am proud of.

“We have such a talented squad and to lead them alongside Rory represents a massive opportunity. I can’t wait to get started with this year’s championship.

“Rory has been a key player for us since he made his debut and leads by example during matches and in training. We’ll both have different leadership styles which will complement each other and ultimately benefit the team as we go into the tournament.”

Squad update

Ross McCann has replaced Darcy Graham who has been ruled out for at least the first two games of the Guinness Six Nations with a quad injury.

26-year-old winger McCann hails from Edinburgh and played for Scotland U20s before becoming a full-time Scotland 7s player. He competed at the 2021 Olympic Games for Team GB and currently plays for Great Britain 7s. Ross started on the right wing for Edinburgh in their victories against Dragons and the Lions earlier this season. Scottish Rugby would like to thank Great Britain 7s for their cooperation in allowing his release to be available for the squad.

Scotland squad for the 2024 Guinness Six Nations (caps in brackets):

Forwards

Ewan Ashman – Edinburgh Rugby (12)
Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby (5)
Jamie Bhatti – Glasgow Warriors (34)
Andy Christie – Saracens (4)
Luke Crosbie – Edinburgh Rugby (7)
Scott Cummings – Glasgow Warriors (33)
Jack Dempsey – Glasgow Warriors (15)
Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors (15) CO-CAPTAIN
Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby (68)
Richie Gray – Glasgow Warriors (78)
Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (40)
Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (62)
Alec Hepburn – Exeter Chiefs (uncapped)
Will Hurd – Leicester Tigers (uncapped)
Johnny Matthews – Glasgow Warriors (1)
WP Nel – Edinburgh Rugby (61)
Jamie Ritchie – Edinburgh Rugby (46)
Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby (26)
Sam Skinner – Edinburgh Rugby (30)
George Turner – Glasgow Warriors (40)
Glen Young – Edinburgh Rugby (3)

Backs

Adam Hastings – Gloucester Rugby (27)
Ben Healy – Edinburgh Rugby (4)
George Horne – Glasgow Warriors (26)
Rory Hutchinson – Northampton Saints (8)
Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors (43)
Blair Kinghorn – Toulouse (50)
Stafford McDowall – Glasgow Warriors (1)
Ross McCann – Great Britain Sevens (uncapped)
Harry Paterson – Edinburgh Rugby (uncapped)
Ali Price – Edinburgh Rugby (66)
Cameron Redpath – Bath Rugby (9)
Arron Reed – Sale Sharks (uncapped)
Kyle Rowe – Glasgow Warriors (1)
Finn Russell – Bath Rugby (75) CO-CAPTAIN
Kyle Steyn – Glasgow Warriors (15)
Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors (22)
Duhan van der Merwe – Edinburgh Rugby (34)
Ben White – Toulon (18)