Gray to captain A side against Italy XV

Gray has been named by head coach Nigel Carolan to lead Scotland A and has previous experience of the role having led the side back in 2014 against England Saxons in a 16-16 draw at Scotstoun. He will start in the second row alongside Alex Craig.

Rory Sutherland and D’arcy Rae are involved at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively, joined in the front row by Gregor Hiddleston at hooker.

Vice-Captain Andy Onyeama-Christie starts at blindside flanker, Freddy Douglas begins on the openside and Alexander Masibaka is named at number 8 to complete the pack.

Scrum-half Gus Warr will be partnered by Vice-Captain Fergus Burke in the half-backs, and in the centres, Cam Redpath takes the inside while Ollie Smith will start at outside.

Elsewhere, Kyle Rowe will start on the right wing, while Arron Reed is on the left wing, with the starting XV completed by Harry Paterson at full-back.

In the replacements, recent Scotland debutant Harri Morris is selected at hooker with Alec Hepburn, Will Hurd and Magnus Bradbury the others set to come on in the front and second row. Back rows Josh Bayliss and Euan Ferrie bolster the forward replacements.

With a 6-2 split, replacement backs Ben Afshar (scrum-half) and fly-half Dan Lancaster make up the remaining selection.

Cameron Henderson has been ruled out of the game with an upper arm injury.

The match marks the first time Scotland A have been action since their win against Chile last year.

Scotland A team to face Italy XV Stadio Centro D’italia in Rieti on Friday 6 February, kick-off 5:30pm GMT/6.30pm local – live on YouTube 

15. Harry Paterson – Edinburgh Rugby
14. Kyle Rowe – Glasgow Warriors
13. Ollie Smith – Glasgow Warriors
12. Cameron Redpath – Bath Rugby
11. Arron Reed – Sale Sharks

10. Fergus Burke – Saracens – Vice-Captain
9. Gus Warr – Sale Sharks

1. Rory Sutherland – Glasgow Warriors
2. Gregor Hiddleston – Glasgow Warriors
3. D’arcy Rae – Edinburgh Rugby
4. Jonny Gray- Union Bordeaux Bègles – Captain
5. Alex Craig – Glasgow Warriors
6. Andy Onyeama-Christie – Saracens – Vice-Captain
7. Freddy Douglas – Edinburgh Rugby
8. Alexander Masibaka – Montpellier

Replacements

16. Harri Morris – Edinburgh Rugby
17. Alec Hepburn – Scarlets
18. Will Hurd – Leicester Tigers
19. Magnus Bradbury – Edinburgh Rugby
20. Euan Ferrie – Glasgow Warriors
21. Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby
22. Ben Afshar – Glasgow Warriors
23. Dan Lancaster – Glasgow Warriors