Scotland’s Six Nations 2026 Opener: Away to Italy in Rome
Scotland kick off their 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations campaign with an away fixture against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday 7 February, kick-off 2:10pm UK time (3:10pm local). The match will be broadcast live on BBC One.
From a Scottish perspective, this is a must-win opener. Scotland have dominated the fixture in recent years, winning the last eight Six Nations meetings between the sides, and head into the game as clear favourites. A bonus-point victory would provide the ideal launchpad ahead of the Calcutta Cup clash with England the following weekend.
Gregor Townsend has named a strong, form-based side that rewards Glasgow Warriors’ excellent domestic and European performances while making some bold selections in the backline.
Scotland team to face Italy (caps in brackets)
15. Tom Jordan – Bristol Bears (12)
14. Kyle Steyn – Glasgow Warriors (28)
13. Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors (58)
12. Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors (33) – Captain
11. Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors (17)
10. Finn Russell – Bath Rugby (89) – Vice-Captain
9. Ben White – Toulon (31)
1. Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby (44)
2. Ewan Ashman – Edinburgh Rugby (32)
3. Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (76)
4. Scott Cummings – Glasgow Warriors (45)
5. Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby (84)
6. Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (59)
7. Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors (34) – Vice-Captain
8. Jack Dempsey -–Glasgow Warriors (29)
Replacements
16. George Turner – Harlequins (50)
17. Nathan McBeth – Glasgow Warriors (5)
18. Elliot Millar Mills – Northampton Saints (11)
19. Max Williamson – Glasgow Warriors (9)
20. Gregor Brown – Glasgow Warriors (12)
21. George Horne – Glasgow Warriors (40)
22. Adam Hastings – Glasgow Warriors (35)
23. Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby (50)
Townsend has selected a formidable pack anchored by an all-international front row of Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman and Zander Fagerson, with the experienced lock pairing of Scott Cummings and the veteran Grant Gilchrist (84 caps) providing lineout expertise and physicality. The back row is a particular strength: Matt Fagerson, vice-captain Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey combine power, breakdown work and carrying threat – precisely the blend needed to neutralise Italy’s forward effort and secure quick ball.
In the backs, vice-captain Finn Russell (89 caps) partners the sharp Ben White at half-back, while the proven centre combination of Huw Jones and captain Sione Tuipulotu offers midfield dynamism. Tom Jordan brings composure and a big boot at full-back, and Kyle Steyn provides proven finishing on the right wing. The eye-catching selection is Jamie Dobie starting on the left wing – a natural scrum-half earning his first Six Nations start in a new role, underlining Townsend’s confidence in squad versatility. The bench carries serious impact, with George Horne, Adam Hastings and the prolific Darcy Graham (50 caps) all capable of changing a game. Notably absent from the 23 is Scotland’s record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe, a significant but form-driven omission.
Scottish supporters will view this selection as a confident statement of intent: a blend of proven quality, current club form and tactical flexibility designed to deliver a fast start and a bonus-point win in Rome. A disciplined, set-piece dominant performance should see Scotland head back north with five points and momentum firmly on their side for the rest of the championship.
