Three changes to Scotland squad

Glasgow Warriors backs Rory Hughes (wing) and recent Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy graduate Stafford McDowall (centre) are joined by Edinburgh scrum-half Henry Pyrgos in camp with the squad at Oriam in preparation for this Saturday’s sold-out championship opener against Italy at BT Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 2.15pm).

Glasgow Warriors trio Matt Smith (back-row), Alex Dunbar (centre) and Rob Harley (lock) – who were added to the squad last week – have been released back to the club.

Smith injured his shoulder in his club’s 9-3 win over Ospreys at Scotstoun, while wing Lee Jones sustained a knee injury, with a further update on Jones to follow in due course.

Glasgow Warriors front-row forwards Zander Fagerson (tighhead prop) and Fraser Brown (hooker) will join the squad in camp this week as their recovery from injury continues.

Uncapped addition…

Uncapped 20-year-old centre McDowall represented Scotland at both U18 and U20 level before signing his first senior professional contract with Glasgow Warriors in December last year.

Standing at 6ft 4in and weighing in over 100kg the centre has made the step up to professional rugby look seamless, impressing the Glasgow coaching staff with his physicality in both attack and defence.

When not playing for Glasgow, McDowall plays for Ayr in the Tennent’s Premiership.

McDowall was part of the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship squad in Georgia, where he helped his side to a best-ever finish of fifth place, before being named as captain for the 2018 edition of the tournament.