Rugby Union Jan 21, 2026

Scotland Six Nations squad: Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry among Gregor Townsend's 40 selections

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Scotland Six Nations squad: Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry among Gregor Townsend's 40 selections

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has recalled second row Jonny Gray and hooker Dave Cherry into his 40-man squad for the 2026 Six Nations.

The squad consists of 23 forwards and 17 backs and will be led by Glasgow centre 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 hooker Cherry returns after impressive for Vannes in France's Pro D2.

The squad includes experienced figures such as Ewan Ashman, George Turner, Pierre Schoeman, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie, Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey.

Finn Russell leads the fly-halves in his 12th Six Nations campaign, supported by Adam Hastings and Fergus Burke.

Townsend has chosen not to introduce any new players, with the one-capped players Freddy Douglas and Liam McConnell two of seven selections with single digit international appearances.

After their opener in Rome, Scotland host England in the Calcutta Cup match before travelling to Wales, hosting defending champions France in Edinburgh and finishing in against Ireland in Dublin.

"Experience with Dave," Townsend said, explaining the return of the forwards. "Dave's been in really good form this year. He played very well last year's Six Nations.

"He was a bit of a glue player for us around his set-piece and 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 November squad. We feel his experience is really important throughout the Six Nations.

"Jonny hasn't had that many opportunities (at Bordeaux), but he's actually in really good form. He's playing with one of the best clubs in Europe.

"He's looking fit and sharp, his work-rate is outstanding. Again, someone who played really well last year's Six Nations. He's someone that has played well for us and we can rely on him if required during this championship."

Townsend explained why the decision was taken not to hand uncapped Gregor Hiddleston, Glasgow's first-choice hooker, his first international call-up.

"Gregor's not really been involved with us so far so he's going to get an opportunity in the A game against Italy," he said, referring to a second-string match due to take place in Rieti on the eve of Scotland's Six Nations opener in Rome.

"That'll be his first game at this level and we're looking forward to seeing him playing that game. We've got a lot of competition there, but for now he's going to get that chance in the A team."

After their opener in Rome, Scotland host England in the Calcutta Cup match before travelling to Wales, hosting defending champions France in Edinburgh and finishing in against Ireland in Dublin.

Forwards: Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh), Gregor Brown (Glasgow), Dave Cherry (Vannes), Scott Cummings (Glasgow), Alex Craig (Glasgow), Rory Darge (Glasgow), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow), Freddy Douglas (Edinburgh), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray (Bordeaux Bègles), Nathan McBeth (Glasgow), Liam McConnell (Edinburgh), Elliot Millar Mills (Northampton), D'arcy Rae (Edinburgh), Jamie Ritchie (Perpignan), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Rory 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), Huw Jones (Glasgow), Tom Jordan (Bristol), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford McDowall (Glasgow), Finn Russell (Bath), Kyle Rowe (Glasgow), Ollie Smith (Glasgow), Kyle Steyn (Glasgow), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow, captain), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (Toulon)

Tags:

rugby-union news

Share this article

Related Posts

Six Nations: Ireland include uncapped Nathan Doak and Edwin Edogbo in experienced squad

Six Nations: Ireland include uncapped Nathan Doak and Edwin Edogbo in experienced squad

Ireland have named uncapped duo Nathan Doak and Edwin Edogbo in an otherwise experienced Six Nations squad.Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named a...

Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake: Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) determined to keep best players after key duo join Gloucester

Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake: Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) determined to keep best players after key duo join Gloucester

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is determined to keep hold of the country's best players after deals for forwards Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake to join English...

Scott Robertson: New Zealand rugby coach sacked after internal review amid reports of player quit threats

Scott Robertson: New Zealand rugby coach sacked after internal review amid reports of player quit threats

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has been sacked after a damning internal report into the team's 2025 season and reported threats from senior pl...

Gallagher Prem: Bristol Bears fight back to beat Sale Sharks 19-17 as Newcastle claim first win of season

Gallagher Prem: Bristol Bears fight back to beat Sale Sharks 19-17 as Newcastle claim first win of season

A late converted try from Kalaveti Ravouvou proved just enough for Bristol to maintain their winning run with a 19-17 victory as Sale lost on the road...

Women’s British and Irish Lions Tour 2027: Fixtures, schedule, venues for historic tour of New Zealand

Women’s British and Irish Lions Tour 2027: Fixtures, schedule, venues for historic tour of New Zealand

The dates, fixtures and host cities have been revealed for Howden British & Irish Lions’ historic Women’s Series in New Zealand in 2027. and will...

Champions Cup: Bath rout Edinburgh 63-10 to seal top spot in Pool 2 as Dragons beat Newcastle to advance in Challenge Cup

Champions Cup: Bath rout Edinburgh 63-10 to seal top spot in Pool 2 as Dragons beat Newcastle to advance in Challenge Cup

Bath finished top of Pool 2 in the Champions Cup with a ruthless 63-10 victory over Edinburgh.Edinburgh went in front with an early penalty from Ross...