Scotland wing Kyle Steyn delivered an uncompromising message of unity after the 18-15 defeat to Italy in Rome: the dressing room remains fully behind head coach Gregor Townsend despite mounting calls from supporters for change.
The loss at a rain-soaked Stadio Olimpico on Saturday handed Italy their first Six Nations victory over Scotland since 2015 and condemned Townsend to his worst ever start to a championship campaign.
“We’re All Behind Him” – Steyn Shuts Down External Noise
Speaking pitch-side moments after the final whistle, the Glasgow Warriors captain left no room for doubt.
“We’re all behind Gregor,” Steyn said. “We had the game plan for these conditions. We knew exactly what we were going to do if the rain came, and that plan created chances.”
The players, not the coach, failed to execute, according to Steyn.
“It comes down to the 23 of us on the pitch. We didn’t take those chances. There’s a lot of noise outside our group, but we’re focused only on what’s said inside the huddle.”
His words carry weight. Steyn has started every match under Townsend this season and scored seven tries in his last eight Scotland appearances.
How Scotland Lost Control in the Rome Monsoon
The match turned into a slog from the first minute as torrential rain turned the Stadio Olimpico pitch into a quagmire.
Italy adapted brilliantly. Ange Capuozzo’s brilliant solo try and Louis Lynagh’s score gave them a 15-6 lead at half-time.
Scotland fought back through Duhan van der Merwe’s try and Finn Russell’s boot, but a late penalty from replacement Tommaso Allan sealed the result.
Key moments that cost Scotland:
- 3 handling errors inside Italy’s 22 in the first half
- 11 turnovers conceded (Italy lost only 4)
- 0/6 line-outs won in the opposition 22
- 62% territory in the second half but only 9 points scored
This was Scotland’s fifth defeat in their last seven Test matches.
Townsend’s Record Now Under Serious Scrutiny
Gregor Townsend is now in his ninth Six Nations as head coach, yet Scotland have never finished higher than third under him.
Recent results make grim reading:
2024: Lost to Australia, Portugal, and South Africa
2025 Six Nations opener: Defeated by Italy for the first time in ten years
Social media reaction has been brutal. The hashtag #TownsendOut trended in Scotland within hours of full-time, with former players Jamie Lyall and John Barclay among those questioning whether the coach has taken the team as far as he can.
Yet the Scottish Rugby Union continues to back Townsend publicly. Chief executive Mark Dodson said in December that Townsend would “100% see out his contract” which runs until 2026.
What Happens Next for Scotland?
Scotland face Wales in Cardiff on Sunday 9 February in a match that already feels season-defining.
Win, and the Italy result becomes an unfortunate blip in terrible conditions. Lose, and the pressure on Townsend will become deafening.
Steyn insists the squad are ready to respond.
“We’ve got each other’s backs,” he said. “We’ve been in tough spots before. We’ll stick together and come out fighting against Wales.”
For now, the players have drawn a line in the sand. The question is whether Scottish rugby supporters are prepared to stand on the same side of it.
What do you think? Should Gregor Townsend stay or go? Drop your thoughts below, and if you’re venting on social media this weekend, use #SixNations and tag your mates who were giving it big licks before kick-off.
