Scottish Rugby

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Gregor Townsend has been speaking to the media after naming his Scotland squad for the Six Nations.

Here are the key lines:

• Townsend insists he does not feel under extra pressure after Scotland's poor autumn campaign: "No, I don't really think in those terms. I think I'm so privileged to be going into another Six Nations. I can't wait to be working with the players again. When I see the team, I see the players in really good form, it excites me what's coming up ahead."

• Explaining his decision to recall Dave Cherry, Townsend says "his experience is really important" and the Vannes hooker "probably should have been in the November squad".

• On the inclusion of Jonny Gray despite a lack of game-time at Bordeaux: "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 workrate 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."

• With Cherry selected, fellow hooker Gregor Hiddleston misses out despite being first choice for Glasgow. Townsend said: "Gregor's not really been involved with us so far so he's going to get an opportunity in the A game against Italy. We've got a lot of competition there but for now he's going to get that chance in the A team."

• The Scotland head coach is not worried about Duhan van der Merwe's patchy form: "Probably more concerning is that he's had a few injuries. He's not really had a run of games. I thought his last game was really good against Gloucester. He's finding his form and he just needs to get some more games."

• Townsend is seeking improvement from the Autumn Tests and says "progress" for Scotland would be "playing close to our potential, being consistent, delivering that performance in five games. It's tough to do that, but that would be progress if we can play well for five games."

• He says Glasgow Warriors' momentum and confidence "should count for a lot" in his Scotland squad, adding: "A lot of the players are playing alongside their team-mates, whether that's in the forward pack or the midfield or back three. You know that they've got a language that they've been using in training that they can carry on."

• Townsend expects a "very difficult" challenge in the opening match away to Italy: "We obviously lost there last time, so that's just the reality. Italy have been improving every year now."

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

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When the Scotland squad was announced the temptation was to re-read it on the assumption that Gregor Hiddleston, the outstanding Glasgow hooker, was in it but was just missed at first reading.

But he's not. And it's unfathomable. Dave Cherry, aged 35 and playing second division rugby in France, is in. So is George Turner, 33 and a bit-part player for a Harlequins side that's been playing poorly. Neither have played Test rugby since the last Six Nations.

Hiddleston's omission is a total puzzler. Astonishing. Cam Henderson, the Leicester giant, also misses out. Another head-scratcher, particularly when Jonny Gray has dropped out of the sky and been included despite largely playing a bench role for Bordeaux and not playing for Scotland at all in close to a year.

Henderson and Alex Samuel are not included, which is to ignore two form locks.

Elsewhere, the squad looks strong with some youth in Liam McConnell and Freddy Douglas and plenty of X factor. The exclusions are eye-catching, but there's still plenty to like.

Gregor Townsend has named a 40-man Scotland squad for the Six Nations.

There are recalls for experienced pair Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry, while young Edinburgh duo Liam McConnell and Freddy Douglas are also included.

What do you make of the squad? Has head coach Townsend got the big selection calls right, or are any glaring omissions?

Tell us your thoughts here.

Scotland squad

Forwards: Ewan Ashman, Josh Bayliss, Magnus Bradbury, Gregor Brown, Dave Cherry, Scott Cummings, Alex Craig, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Freddy Douglas, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray, Nathan McBeth, Liam McConnell, Elliot Millar Mills, D'arcy Rae, Jamie Ritchie, Pierre Schoeman, Rory Sutherland, George Turner, Max Williamson.

Backs: Fergus Burke, Jamie Dobie, Darcy Graham, Adam Hastings, George Horne, Rory Hutchinson, Huw Jones, Tom Jordan, Blair Kinghorn, Stafford McDowall, Finn Russell, Kyle Rowe, Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben White.

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

Gregor Townsend names his Six Nations squad on Tuesday - his ninth. It should - or at least, could - look pretty different this time.

Twelve months ago, Dave Cherry was the starting hooker, Jamie Bhatti was one of three looseheads, Jonny Gray was in the second-row, Luke Crosbie and Jack Mann were among the back-rows, Matt Currie was one of five centres selected.

Some of those guys are injured and some have faded away, but others have thundered across Townsend's landscape.

Gregor Hiddleston and Seb Stephen, the Glasgow hookers; Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, the Edinburgh tighthead; Max Williamson (injured a year ago), his Glasgow mate Alex Samuel and Leicester's Cam Henderson are the new wave of locks; Liam McConnell, Freddy Douglas and the excellent Euan Ferrie must be in the picture in the back-row.

In 2025 Townsend went for a wider squad of 37. With the championship only having one fallow week this time he might want to go larger than that.

He starts with Italy in Rome, England in Edinburgh and Wales in Cardiff - three Saturdays back-to-back. He must win all of them if title contention is the ambition.

We're sticking with 37 players. This is not an attempt to second-guess Townsend. People have gone dizzy in the past trying to play that game.

It's a reflection of changing times and an acknowledgement that hungry, aggressive players free of baggage must be swept into this squad right now.

Back three - Duhan doesn't make cut

Joint-record try-scorer, Duhan van der Merwe, is not among the four wings (or five when you count Blair Kinghorn).

Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie are the top wingers around. Darcy Graham and Kyle Rowe complete the four.

Townsend dropped Van der Merwe from his 23 in the autumn and his case for inclusion has only weakened since then.

Some fitness issues, a lack of confidence, Edinburgh's inability to give him much ball - it's all bringing him down.

Midfield & half-backs - options, options

Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones; Tom Jordan (who should be considered a serious contender for the 15 jersey) and Rory Hutchinson; Stafford McDowall and Ollie Smith.

Cam Redpath might feel robbed again but those six are the best set of centres Scotland has ever had. Jones is back after six months out injured and is already flying.

Finn Russell and Adam Hastings should be the 10s, Hastings shading it ahead of Fergus Burke. Townsend already has Jordan so Burke misses out, maybe.

Ben White and George Horne are the shoo-ins at scrum-half with one of the form Scots of them all, Dobie, available to cover.

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Front-row - rookie Stephen or old head Turner?

Loosehead is not a land of plenty - more a wasteland where nothing grows - so Pierre Schoeman, Rory Sutherland and Nathan McBeth - with starts in Glasgow's wins over Sale and Toulouse - are in.

At hooker, Ewan Ashman and Hiddleston are the first picks. Easy. The 20-year-old Stephen is the third hooker, ahead of the vastly experienced but bit-part Harlequin, George Turner and the rest. His intensity is just terrific.

All hail King Zander at tighthead. Wrap him in cotton wool, feed him grapes, sing him lullabies from now until Rome.

Sean Everitt says D'Arcy Rae should be fit. Rae stood up really well in the autumn when many people were having palpitations about him. That's two.

Elliot Millar Mills, Will Hurd, the teenager Blyth-Lafferty? The tighthead of a scrum is a dark place full of monsters that make those creatures in Stranger Things look like something off Sesame Street.

Blyth-Lafferty is a brilliant prospect, but Six Nations rugby looks too soon. Hurd has been going well off the bench for Leicester, Millar-Mills played against New Zealand and Argentina in the autumn. Millar-Mills for thrills.

Locks - let the young dogs eat

Now. Lock forwards. Five of them.

Scott Cummings and Gregor Brown (let his aggression and his carrying flourish in the second-row). Max Williamson and Alex Samuel. Two Glasgow behemoths. They're massive men and bursting with edge and confidence. One more.

Grant Gilchrist is still well capable of playing wonderfully at Test level, but it's time a younger man got a chance.

Cam Henderson is tearing it up for Leicester and it would be criminal to leave him out any longer.

Back-row - is Freddy ready?

Yes. Yes, he is.

Douglas is a turnover machine with a struggling club, belligerent as hell and everybody wants to see him get some game-time in the Six Nations. A kid with the mentality of a 50-capper.

Townsend went with eight back-rows last year, so we're going the same again. Some good ones are missing out here.

In: Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey. Also in: Jamie Ritchie, winning and inspiring at Perpignan; Andy Onyeama-Christie, versatile and dogged; Liam McConnell, loose cannon and exhilarating wildcard; Douglas, freak.

Another needed: If in doubt, go Glasgow. Ferrie is a fantastic footballer and a warrior in name and deed. Done.

We asked for your views on Glasgow Warriors 28-3 win against Saracens in the Champions Cup.

Here's what some of you said:

Gordon: There's the Scotland team right there. Good in attack, dominant in defence. To keep a fully loaded Saracens team virtually scoreless is a fabulous effort. Gregor Hiddleston, for me, starts against Italy.

Chris: Glasgow are just a joy to watch and should make the majority of the Six Nations squad on form. If Hiddleston doesn't make the squad, I'd be asking serious questions why not.

George: What a set of results for Glasgow. Showing what they can produce. I hope this translates to Scotland. The physicality and defence. Definitely playing for the coach!

Tom: Unbelievable European campaign for Glasgow, capped off with a dominant win! Saracens aren't the same team as they were, but they still have a team built with internationals and Lions. We barely gave them a sniff and our defence looked so comfortable. Hiddleston needs to be given a chance for Scotland in the Six Nations. He has been outstanding all season!

Kenny: A classic match in two distinct aspects. First half, ruthless attacking yielding three classic tries. Second half, brilliant defence, stifling all of Saracens attempts at turning things around. Then the classic sucker-punch delivering last minute the bonus-point try!

Doug: Good win, defence was excellent throughout! We were wasteful in the first half converting lineout pressure and in the second half we struggled to get out of our half and seemed determined to cough up possession. Jack Dempsey and Zander Fagerson were superb, Alex Craig with some big carries too. Hopefully Adam Hastings will be back soon, he helps with attacking fluency and is stronger in defence than Dan Lancaster who got bounced off tackles a couple of times.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Flawless Warriors hit new heights

If you want some context on how good Glasgow's Champions Cup pool stage performances have been, consider this - only Bordeaux, the reigning European champions, matched their points total of a perfect 20.

Four bonus-point wins from four is an astonishing return and unprecedented for a Scottish side in Europe.

Saracens may not be the force of old, but they were fresh from an impressive win over Toulouse and travelled to Scotstoun with a starting 15 boasting five British and Irish Lions.

Pushovers they were not, but Glasgow completely outclassed the English giants.

150 not out for electric Horne

George Horne marked his 150th Glasgow Warriors appearance in fine style.

There was a moment in the first half that summed up the wee scrum-half. With little room to work with next to the touchline, Horne dinked a cute little kick over the defender and gathered, all at full tilt.

It was an extraordinary piece of skill that led to Juan Martin Gonzalez's yellow card.

A signature support line brought Horne his try, and he was a whirlwind of energy and tempo all night.

His form surely will give Gregor Townsend food for thought regarding his Scotland number nine pecking order for the Six Nations.

Dynamite Dempsey in form of his life

Horne claimed the player of the match award, but Dempsey was every bit as influential in a marvellous team performance.

I wrote in these pages last week about the big number eight's outstanding performance against Clermont. He kicked on to yet another level against Saracens.

Dempsey was utterly devastating with ball in hand, blasting through defenders like a rampaging bull.

Whenever a loose ball hit the deck it seemed Dempsey was first on the scene to throw himself on it and win back possession for his side.

There was also composure to go with the power when he blasted through two tackles and picked the right option to put Horne away for his try.

It was a sublime display and if Dempsey carries this form into the Six Nations then he could be set for a big tournament.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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George Horne says the difference between Glasgow's Champions Cup campaign this season to previous years is the squad's true belief they can mix it with the very best sides in Europe.

Warriors made it four bonus-point wins from four pool matches - and the maximum 20 points - with another sterling victory over Saracens to add to earlier victories over Sale, Toulouse and Clermont.

It sets Franco Smith's side up for a home tie against Vodacom Bulls in the last 16.

"You dream and you hope you're going to get four wins from four and I think that's the difference this year - we actually believe that," said Horne, who marked his 150th Glasgow appearance with a try and a player of the match performance.

"We've played two of the most successful teams in Europe over the past few years, and we've shown that if we play our best, we can match them.

"We've done our job over the first four games to put ourselves in the best place, but you can't look too far ahead or you'll come unstuck.

"So now we've got to focus on the league for the next few weeks and then the Bulls coming here.

"We've had a few tasty battles against them in the last couple of years, so we know that will be an absolute dogfight as well."

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Glasgow and Edinburgh have found out their opponents for the round of 16 in the Champions Cup, after both Scottish sides progressed in Europe's elite tournament.

The Warriors, seeded second among the 16 teams after their four bonus points wins throughout the group stage, host the Bulls at Scotstoun.

Win that, and it's a home quarter-final against the winner of Toulon v Bristol Bears.

They could then meet Edinburgh in the semi-finals, although that would require the capital club to come past third sees Leinster in the round of 16, and then the winner of Harlequins v Sale Sharks.

The round of 16 will be played on the weekend of 3/4/5 April, with Edinburgh playing Leinster over in Ireland.

If the two Scottish sides were to meet, the semi-finals take place on the weekend of 1/2/3 May, and if Glasgow do make it that far, they would also have home advantage for that tie.

The final of the tournament will be held on 24 May, and hosted in the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao.

Glasgow Warriors continued their fine form in the Investec Champions Cup with victory over Saracens to set up a home last-16 tie against the Bulls.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith: "All the people make it special here. We are really proud. We played for them.

"It was part of our pre-match conversation. We want to make Scotstoun proud, and we heard them tonight. So a really, really good evening.

"[Saracens] are a quality team, and they've got some excellent game-drivers with a lot of experience there. They've got good a pack of forwards.

"Maro Itoje disrupted our set-piece by himself at some stages. So, a tough team. They did well to stay in the fight. You can see that they're a proud team, obviously, and a lot of character.

"It was good for us to show that we can play an all-round game, both sides of the ball.

"The defence in the second part of the game was fantastic. We worked really hard to apply ourselves physically, and to be fit enough and resilient enough to stay in the fight. It was a pleasure to watch.

"[George Horne] knows I'm really proud of him. Everybody here is really proud to have him with us.

"The way he goes about his business and how much he believes in the club is obviously seen by everybody out there. I'm really, really proud of him and I hope there's another 100 to come.

"We've had tough teams. Nobody would have bet on us before the start of this campaign that we would end up where we did.

"I'm happy with that, first of all. But we also know this is just the start. There's more than half the season still left and it's going to be important to keep everybody healthy and to keep the energy levels high so that we can continue to push hard in this competition."

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Edinburgh have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions Cup despite Friday's chastening 63-10 defeat by Bath.

Sean Everitt's side finish fourth in Pool 2 thanks to bonus-point wins over Toulon and Gloucester, but a points difference of minus 71 after heavy losses against Castres and Bath.

Castres narrowly beat Munster and Toulon saw off Gloucester on Saturday, meaning Munster drop into the Challenge Cup and Gloucester prop up the six-team table.

We asked for your thoughts after Edinburgh were trounced by Bath in the Champions Cup on Friday.

Here's what you had to say:

Scotty: A tough result to swallow particularly after Sean Everitt's new contract this week. Really puzzling decision.

Arran: Well, I can't say that wasn't expected. Sending a second-string team against a full strength Bath squad was never going to end well. Outclassed in every area. Every time we had ball we kicked it away, the backs struggled to get going again. Only positives were Harry Paterson and, once again, Freddy Douglas.

Jim: Bath showed Edinburgh they are way behind in the European rugby order. Bath were always going to win at home but this was men against boys with Finn Russell running the show.

Jamie: Wow - I cannot swear enough after that disappointing game. The scoreline is embarrassing. Looking on the players' faces at the end when they had hands on their hips, these boys need a new inspiration and a new coach.

Rich: Bath are a great team but it didn't look like the Edinburgh players are particularly happy about their coach getting a new contract. I'm baffled that he managed to get a new contract. What were his objectives that he somehow passed?

Gordon: A predictable result. Why Edinburgh decided to throw both away games by fielding weakened teams is beyond me. Not a fan of Everitt but the problems at Edinburgh have been going on for years under numerous coaches. A clear out at all levels is needed. Until then, Edinburgh players shouldn't be anywhere near a Scotland match-day squad.

DJ: Edinburgh's lacklustre performance has just further highlighted the folly of Everitt's contract extension. He and his coaching staff have managed once again to get an Edinburgh squad that is full of talented players, despite the amount of injuries and the insane selection choices, to continually fail to resemble a coherent and organised team.

Andrew: Protocols require players to be rested, so don't blame the coaches. We're still in with a qualification chance in Europe and in the league for top eight.

The end of the season is the time to judge progress this season. Getting to the end of the season requires squad rotation. And, like it or not, Edinburgh and Glasgows' jobs are to produce players for their paymasters, Scotland.

Young players at Edinburgh are coming through and pressuring their Glasgow counterparts to start for Scotland. That's what Everett is being asked to do. That's why he's had his contract renewed.

The economics of Scottish rugby don't allow for a different approach. Edinburgh and Glasgow don't have large enough fan bases for a different approach.

Campbell: What on earth are the Edinburgh coaches doing? Their team selection choices against Castres and Bath were white flags not judicious squad rotation. Do they want to demoralise the squad and kill their own momentum?

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Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt told Premier Sports: "They were hot tonight, and made us pay for every mistake that we made. We fought gallantly in the first half, allowed them too many entries and the power game got ahead of us. WE couldn't keep out their maul.

"The set piece settled as the game went on but we gave them too much front foot ball, and with the backs they have they are very dangerous. Disappointed with the scoreboard, but once again the boys did fight.

"There's always positives to take. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty scrummed really well and has just been complimented by Thomas du Toit as well. He's going to learn heaps from this and Scotland will benefit from that, likewise Freddy Douglas.

"Harry Paterson, coming back from injury, hasn't played much rugby but he was exceptional and the standout player for me tonight. Some pleasing individual performances but as a unit, we just got banged by a more powerful team tonight."

Bath sealed top spot in Pool 2 and a home last-16 tie in the Investec Champions Cup with a nine-try thrashing of Edinburgh.

What did you make of that Edinburgh fans? Let us know your thoughts here.

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Scotland international Rory Darge returns to the back-row amid two Glasgow Warriors changes for the Champions Cup visit of Saracens in their final Pool 1 game.

Euan Ferrie drops to the bench and Matt Fagerson switches back to blindside.

In the backs Jamie Dobie is rested, after starting the previous five games, with Ollie Smith coming in to replace him on the wing.

Elsewhere, it's a near full-strength line-up for Franco Smith's side, with scrum-half George Horne making his 150th Warriors appearance.

Glasgow are already through to the knockouts but seeking another bonus-point win to secure top spot and guarantee home ties through to the semi-final should they make it that far.

"Saracens possess a strong pedigree in the Champions Cup, something they will be eager to continue this weekend," said head coach Smith.

"Their squad is packed with international-calibre talent and we know that they will come here with a direct, physical game plan that we will need to be at our best to match."

Glasgow Warriors: Rowe, Steyn (c), Jones, S Tuipulotu, Smith; Lancaster, Horne; Schickerling, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Craig, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Stephen, Sutherland, Talakai, Williamson, Brown, Ferrie, McDowall, Afshar.