Scotland’s head coach Gregor Townsend has named his squad for the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, bringing both fresh faces and experienced veterans into the mix. From new additions to returning players, here are six key takeaways for Scotland fans ahead of the tournament.
Fresh Blood: Fergus Burke’s First Call-Up
The standout inclusion in Townsend’s squad is Fergus Burke, the 25-year-old stand-off currently playing for Saracens. Burke qualifies for Scotland through his Glasgow-born grandfather and could make his debut during the tournament.
Townsend has followed Burke’s progress for several years and highlighted his ability to play both at stand-off and fullback, providing valuable versatility to the squad. “Fergus is someone who really understands the game from an attacking perspective,” Townsend said. “He’s playing regular rugby at a top team and is also a solid defender, so he’ll add depth to our squad.”
- Burke’s Scottish heritage makes him eligible for selection, with the chance to earn his first cap.
- His versatility as both a stand-off and fullback adds to the squad’s flexibility.
- Burke has earned his spot with consistent performances at Saracens.
Jack Mann’s Well-Deserved Call-Up
Another exciting newcomer is back-rower Jack Mann. The 25-year-old has been in excellent form at No.8 for Glasgow Warriors and has earned his first Scotland call-up.
Townsend was quick to praise Mann’s abilities. “We were really excited about Jack two years ago,” he said. “His ball carrying and defensive work stood out, and since his return from injury, he’s been playing regularly and at a high level.”
Mann’s inclusion brings further strength to the back row, a key area for Scotland. His consistency in recent performances makes him a promising addition for the Six Nations.
Jonny Gray’s Return to the Fold
Jonny Gray, now 30, is back in the Scotland squad after a couple of years of injury disruptions. With 77 caps to his name, his experience could prove invaluable for the Scots in this year’s Six Nations.
Townsend acknowledged Gray’s injury woes but emphasized his leadership and experience: “Jonny is a big personality in the squad. He’s been in excellent form leading up to November and brings great toughness and experience to the team.”
Gray’s return is a welcome boost to Scotland’s forward pack, adding depth to the second row.
Dave Cherry’s Second Chance
At 34, Edinburgh Rugby hooker Dave Cherry might have thought his international career was over after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. However, recent strong performances have earned him a call-up for the Six Nations.
Townsend was keen to point out Cherry’s consistency, especially in the set-piece area: “We know what we get with Dave—real solidity and consistency. He may be able to put pressure on the other hookers for game time.”
Cherry’s return adds depth to the hooker position, providing Scotland with further options in the front row.
Marshall Sykes Back in the Mix
Second-row Marshall Sykes has been recalled to the squad after earning just one cap in 2021. Townsend believes the 25-year-old has been playing at a high level and can contribute significantly to the team.
“Marshall has been using his body better in defence and ball carrying,” Townsend said. “He gets a chance to train with the rest of the group and prove his worth.”
Sykes’ return strengthens the competition in the second row, where Scotland has several talented players.
A Settled Squad for the Six Nations
While there are several new faces, the majority of the squad remains unchanged from previous years, particularly the core leadership group of captain Sione Tuipulotu and vice-captains Finn Russell and Rory Darge. This consistency in selection could prove beneficial for Scotland’s chances in the 2025 Six Nations.
Townsend reflected on the squad’s stability: “It’s a squad we’ve worked with for a number of years. A lot of these players were involved during the Autumn Nations Series, and we are all excited to get going.”
With strong leadership and a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, Scotland is well-positioned for their Six Nations campaign, which begins against Italy in Rome on February 1.
