Scotland lock Jonny Gray makes his return to the Test side after missing the 2023 World Cup. He will lead a Scottish team against Italy in the opening match of the 2025 Six Nations. Italy also see changes in their lineup with Tommaso Allan starting at full-back.
Scotland lock Jonny Gray will make his first Test appearance for nearly two years after being named in the starting team for Saturday's Six Nations opener at home to Italy . The 30-year-old missed the 2023 World Cup with a knee injury and declined a call-up for the November international series after returning to action at the start of this season with French club Bordeaux-Begles.
Edinburgh hooker Dave Cherry is also in line for his first Test since the World Cup after coach Gregor Townsend surprisingly selected him ahead of the benched Ewan Ashman. Stafford McDowall replaces injured captain Sione Tuipulotu at inside centre, while record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe has been passed fit following an ankle problem. Your Scotland team to kick off @SixNationsRugby against Italy at Scottish Gas Murrayfield 🏴 Read more ➡️ https://t.co/KPry9XuMhM pic.twitter.com/d32ZnrMgf1 — Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) January 30, 2025 Scotland playmaker Finn Russell and flanker Rory Darge are the co-captains of the team. Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada named Perpignan’s Tommaso Allan at full-back, allowing Toulouse flier Ange Capuozzo to move to the wing. Italy’s record points-scorer in the Six Nations, Allan stepped away from the Italy side after their narrow 27-24 defeat by England in last season’s tournament, citing his mental and physical well-being. Allan, whose uncle John Allan played nine Tests for Scotland in the 1990s, did not return until November against Argentina, when he came on as a substitute for the injured Capuozzo. Injured himself, he then had to sit out the tests against Georgia and New Zealand. He has featured in 12 matches for Perpignan this season and will be bidding to add to his Italian record 165 points in the Six Nations when he runs out at Murrayfield. Scotland (15-1): Blair Kinghorn; Darcy Graham, Huw Jones, Stafford McDowall, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell (co-capt), Ben White; Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge (co-capt), Jamie Ritchie; Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray; Zander Fageron, Dave Cherry, Pierre Schoeman Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, Will Hurd, Gregor Brown, Jack Dempsey, George Horne, Tom Jordan, Kyle Rowe Italy (15-1) Tommaso Allan; Ange Capuozzo, Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Monty Ioane; Paolo Garbisi, Martin Page-Relo; Michele Lamaro (capt), Lorenzo Cannone, Sebastian Negri; Federico Ruzza, Dino Lamb; Simone Ferrari, Giacomo Nicotera, Danilo Fischetti Replacements: Gianmarco Lucchesi, Luca Rizzoli, Marco Riccioni, Niccolo Cannone, Manuel Zuliani, Ross Vintcent, Alessandro Garbisi, Simone Gesi
RUGBY SIX NATIONS SCOTLAND ITALY JONNY GRAY TOMMASO ALLAN
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gray and Cherry Return to Scotland Squad for 2025 Six NationsScotland head coach Gregor Townsend has named a 37-man squad for the 2025 Six Nations, with notable returns for Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry, and exciting call-ups for Jack Mann and Fergus Burke.
Read more »
Stafford McDowall to partner Huw Jones at centre for Scotland against ItalyTommaso Allan returns for Italy as Michele Lamaro takes over as captain
Read more »
Scotland's Six Nations Hopes Face Injury TestDespite a series of unfortunate injuries impacting key players, Scotland remains a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Six Nations Championship. The team's ability to overcome these setbacks and perform at their best will determine their success.
Read more »
Escape to Scotland: Historic Homes and Luxury Hotels Inspired by 'Traitors'Discover charming holiday lets and opulent hotels in Scotland, inspired by the hit show 'Traitors'. From Fairburn Tower, a 16th-century Scottish Renaissance gem, to The Fife Arms, a maximalist haven brimming with art and antiques, Scotland offers a range of unforgettable experiences.
Read more »
Scotland Call Up Five Players Ahead of Six Nations OpenerScotland head coach Gregor Townsend has called up five players ahead of the opening weekend of the Guinness Six Nations. Euan Ferrie, Cameron Henderson, Ewan Johnson, Alexander Masibaka and Ollie Smith join the squad for the match against Italy. Masibaka replaces Josh Bayliss, who sustained a groin injury. The announcement follows a string of injuries to key players, including Sione Tuipulotu, Dylan Richardson and Scott Cummings.
Read more »
Brendan Rodgers hoping Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney will rejoin Celtic in daysDeal done for left back to go back to Scotland in summer
Read more »