Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has recalled second-row Jonny Gray and sidekick Dave Cherry to his 40-man squad for the 2026 Six Nations.
The squad consists of 23 forwards and 17 backs and will be led by Glasgow center Sione Tuipulotu throughout the campaign, which begins against Italy in Rome on February 7.
Bordeaux Begles lock Gray is back after missing last year’s Autumn Nations Series, while bitch Cherry returns after impressing for Vannes in the French Pro D2.
The team includes experienced figures such as Ewan Ashman, George Turner, Pierre Schoeman, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie, Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey.
Finn Russell leads the half in his 12th Six Nations campaign, supported by Adam Hastings and Fergus Burke.
Townsend opted not to introduce any new players, with one-man players Freddie Douglas and Liam McConnell two of the seven selections with single-figure international appearances.
After opening in Rome, Scotland host England in a Calcutta Cup tie before traveling to Wales, hosting defending champions France in Edinburgh and finishing against Ireland in Dublin.
“The experience with Dave,” Townsend said, explaining the forward’s return. “Dave has been in really good form this year. He played really well in the Six Nations last year.
“He was a good player for us in his formation, in attack and defence. He missed the summer tour with injury and we decided to look at different options in November.”
“On form, Dave probably should have been in the squad for November. We feel his experience is really important in the Six Nations.”
“Johnny didn’t have that many opportunities (at Bordeaux) but he’s actually in good shape. He’s playing for one of the best clubs in Europe.”
“He looks fit and sharp, his work rate is outstanding. Again, someone who played really well in last year’s Six Nations. He’s someone who played well for us and we can rely on him if needed during this championship.”
Townsend explains Hiddleston’s omission
Townsend explained why the decision was made not to hand over the uncapped Gregor Hiddleston, Glasgow’s first hooker, to his first international call.
“Gregor hasn’t really been involved with us so far, so he’ll get a chance in the A game against Italy,” he said, referring to the second-string match in Rieti ahead of Scotland’s Six Nations opener in Rome.
“It will be his first game at this level and we are looking forward to seeing him play that game. We have a lot of competition there, but for now he will get that chance in the A team.”
After opening in Rome, Scotland host England in a Calcutta Cup tie before traveling to Wales, hosting defending champions France in Edinburgh and finishing against Ireland in Dublin.
Scotland Six Nations 2026
Forwards: Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh), Gregor Brown (Glasgow), Dave Cherry (Van), Scott Cummings (Glasgow), Alex Craig (Glasgow), Rory Darge (Glasgow), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow), Fredericburg (Glasgow), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow) (Glasgow), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray (Bordeaux Bagle), Nathan McBeth (Glasgow), Liam McConnell (Edinburgh), Elliott Millar Mills (Northampton), D’Arcy Rae (Edinburgh), Jamie Spinyard (Pierre), Roreman (Pierre) Sutherland (Glasgow), George Turner (Harlequins), Max Williamson Glasgow
backs: Fergus Burke (Saracens), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Adam Hastings (Glasgow), George Horne (Glasgow), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton), Hugh Jones (Glasgow), Tom Jordan (Bristol), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford Russ McDowall (Finglass McDowell), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton), Hugh Jones (Glasgow), Tom Jordan (Bristol), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford Russ McDowell (Glasgow), Ollie Smith (Glasgow), Kyle Steyn (Glasgow), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow, captain), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (Toulon)
Six Nations Fixture: Scotland
- February 7: Italy (a)
- February 14: England (h)
- February 21: wales (a)
- March 7: France (h)
- March 14: Ireland (a)