Townsend relishing Six Nations challenge as Scotland name settled squad

The Scotland head coach has named a largely settled 40-man squad for the tournament, supplemented by a 15-strong A group ahead of an Italy A fixture on the eve of the opening Test.

“It is really busy, but there’s lots of rugby to watch and it’s great to see our players in form,” Townsend said. “Now we’re really looking forward to having them back with us.”

Form and familiarity behind selection calls

Townsend said consistency and form were the key drivers behind his selections, with many players having featured in recent Six Nations campaigns while continuing to impress at club level.

“The Six Nations squad is full of players that are either in really good form or have been in Six Nations squads before,” he explained. “Some of them are in really good form as well, so it was a difficult squad to select.”

Scotland will also field a strong A side against Italy A, with some senior squad members expected to feature.

“It’ll be a really strong A team that we put out and we expect a tough game against Italy A,” Townsend said.

Glasgow form rewarded as Edinburgh youngsters continue rise

Nineteen Glasgow Warriors players are included, reflecting their strong domestic and European form.

“They’ve been in great form,” Townsend said. “They’ve played at a really high level, particularly in Europe, with some cracking atmospheres. You can see the cohesion and connectedness of that group and they’ve been rewarded for both individual performances and how they’re playing as a team.”

Edinburgh pair Liam McConnell and Freddy Douglas have also earned selection after continuing to develop following their Scotland debuts.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Edinburgh’s Liam McConnell in action during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Edinburgh Rugby and Ospreys at the Hive Stadium, on November 29, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

“Liam really impressed us in his first cap against the USA and he’s been very consistent for Edinburgh this season,” Townsend said.

Douglas, meanwhile, has stood out in one particular area of the game.

“He’s got a super strength, which is winning the ball back in the tackle area,” Townsend added. “He’s been one of the best in the world right now at that. But he’s also developing other parts of his game — his mauling, his ball carrying, defensively. There’s real growth and more to come from him.”

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 09: Edinburghs Freddy Douglas with his Player of the Match award during a 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup Round 3 match between Edinburgh Rugby and Gloucester at Hive Stadium, on January 09, 2026, in Edinburgh,

Experience returns at the right time

The return of Dave Cherry and Jonny Gray brings valuable experience into the group ahead of a physically demanding tournament.

“Dave started every game for us in last year’s Six Nations,” Townsend said. “He’s gone well this year for Vannes and we feel his experience and how he’s playing is important going into this tournament.”

Gray’s form in France has also impressed.

“Jonny’s playing at one of the best clubs in Europe right now in Bordeaux,” Townsend said. “When he gets opportunities, you see his work rate, his experience and what he can do, particularly defensively.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Scotland’s Jonny Gray at full time during a Guinness Six Nations match between England and Scotland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on February 22, 2025, in London, England.

Autumn lessons still fresh

Townsend believes Scotland must convert the lessons of the Autumn Nations Series into tangible progress, particularly after narrow defeats to New Zealand and Argentina.

“We had opportunities to beat New Zealand, which would have been the first time in our history,” he said. “We’re really disappointed we didn’t take those opportunities.”

The Argentina loss, in particular, still stings.

“That was a painful one because we put a really good game in place and then let Argentina back into it,” Townsend said. “But I believe going through that experience means that if we find ourselves in that situation again, we’ll be much better prepared.”

Condensed Six Nations adds intensity

With only one fallow week and three matches to start the tournament, Townsend expects squad depth and recovery to be vital.

“It’s a more condensed tournament,” he said. “Teams will definitely look at using their squad more to play three Test matches on the bounce.”

Scotland open away to Italy before hosting England and travelling to Wales in quick succession.

“Italy away is a cracking start — what a venue and what a place to visit,” Townsend said. “Then you’re straight into England at home and Wales away, so three games that come around really quickly.

“It’s important we’re cohesive, that we recover well between games and that we take what we learn into our performances.”