The Next Generation of Scottish Stars

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 14: The Scotland squad during the national anthems during an Under-20s Six Nations match between France and Scotland at the Stade Jean-Bouin, on March 14, 2025, in Paris, France. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

As the 2026 Under-20 Six Nations approaches, the buzz around Hive Stadium is building. For Scotland, this tournament is more than just a competition, it’s a proven launchpad for the next wave of senior internationals. 

You don’t have to look far to see the impact of recent U20 graduates. Two names in particular have transitioned from age-grade standouts to senior squad with remarkable speed. 

Scotland’s Liam McConnell arrives ahead of the 2025 Quilter Nations Series game between Scotland and USA in Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland, Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Liam McConnell (Back row, Edinburgh Rugby)

McConnell has been a model of consistency for Edinburgh this season, seamlessly transitioning between the URC and the Champions Cup. His Scotland debut in November was a just reward for a player whose physical credentials continue to grow.

McConnell has distinguished himself as a primary ball carrier, combining raw willingness with clinical effectiveness. In just three Champions Cup appearances, he has racked up 66 post-contact meters from 32 carries, beaten five defenders, and crossed for a vital try in the home victory over Gloucester.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – MARCH 07: Scotland’s Freddy Douglas in action during an Under-20 Six Nations match between Scotland and Wales at the Hive Stadium, on March 07, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Freddy Douglas (Back row, Edinburgh Rugby) 

Douglas has become the poster boy for the male pathway. His breakdown tenacity and relentless work rate earned him a senior Scotland cap against Portugal in late 2024 while still eligible for the U20s. Though he battled an ankle injury early in the 2025 campaign, his presence in the back-row remains a gold standard for the current crop. 

His statistical impact is staggering. Through four rounds of the EPCR Champions Cup, Douglas leads the tournament with 12 turnovers won (10 at the breakdown) in just 197 minutes of play. To put that in perspective, he has outperformed the world-class Jack Willis, who sits second with 10 turnovers in more minutes (213). While some argue turnovers are harder to come by at the international level, Douglas’ efficiency at the professional pinnacle suggests he is a rare exception.

While both players are eager to leave their mark on the upcoming Six Nations, the competition for a starting spot is fierce. To break into the matchday squad, they must maintain this elite form against a stacked field of veterans:

Jack Dempsey: Currently topping the Champions Cup carrying charts with 58, Dempsey has been in excellent form for Glasgow Warriors in recent weeks, most recently playing a standout role in their win over Saracens.

Magnus Bradbury: The returning Edinburgh captain won his first caps since 2022 in the autumn, and is selected again after a fine start to his Edinburgh Rugby season.

Rory Darge & Jamie Ritchie: The seasoned former Scotland captains have just under 100 caps between them; both were also Scotland U20 captains in their early days.

Dynamic Depth: The versatile Matt Fagerson, Josh Bayliss, and Gregor Brown. Fagerson and Brown, like Dempsey, have had good campaigns in the Warriors pack, while Bayliss has been a popular choice as the replacement back row option for Scotland in recent years.