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Gregor Townsend has named a Scotland squad that feels both familiar and loaded with consequence. After another frustrating autumn and with the 2027 World Cup cycle firmly underway, the 2026 Guinness Six Nations shapes up as a defining tournament, not just for their sought after head coach, but for a generation of players who have promised much. Here are the four major talking points surrounding Scotland’s squad, fixtures and expectations.
Townsend’s squad selection sends a clear message: this is not a rebuilding Six Nations. The recalls of Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry underline a shift toward reliability and Test-match hardness, particularly in the tight exchanges where Scotland have been exposed in recent campaigns.
Rather than gambling heavily on uncapped talent, Townsend has doubled down on experienced internationals who understand the physical and mental demands of a long championship. It suggests Scotland are prioritising immediate results, not long-term development, and that patience with inconsistency may be wearing thin. Not to use the same John Cena line, but the time is now!
Scotland’s fixture schedule is unforgiving. An opening away trip to Italy brings pressure of its own, not something for Townsend and co to rest on their laurels about. Their first home game at Murrayfield will be hosting England in the Calcutta Cup, after a last minute dramatic loss last season at Twickenham. They will then be travelling to Wales in successive weeks. France at Murrayfield looms as a potential title-defining moment, while finishing away in Ireland is arguably the hardest assignment in northern hemisphere rugby (England will have something to say about that).
The reality is simple: Scotland cannot afford a sluggish start. Too often in recent Six Nations campaigns, early losses have killed momentum. If Scotland are serious contenders, they need to emerge from the first three rounds firmly in the mix, anything less and familiar questions will resurface.
Despite notable wins and flashes of brilliance, Scotland remain without a Six Nations title since 1999. Townsend’s tenure has delivered competitiveness and attacking ambition, but not trophies. After another autumn of near-misses, the pressure is mounting to convert promise into success.
This squad looks very much like one chosen to win now, not one being prepared for the future. With Townsend contracted through to the next World Cup, the Six Nations represents the clearest benchmark of progress, and patience among supporters is no longer unlimited.
More than any selection debate or fixture challenge, the defining talking point of Scotland’s 2026 campaign is the expectation placed on World Class talents, their captain alongside their talisman, Sione Tuipulotu and Finn Russell.
As captain, Tuipulotu embodies Scotland’s physical edge and emotional leadership. His performances set the tone defensively and in contact, and he is increasingly viewed as the player who can drag Scotland through the tightest moments. Leadership, consistency and authority are now demanded, not just admired. An International Superstar who was missed last season across the 6 nations.
Russell, meanwhile, remains the axis around which Scotland’s ambitions turn. His talent has never been in doubt, but this Six Nations may define his legacy. With a settled squad around him and attacking weapons across the backline, the expectation is no longer that he produces moments of magic, but that he controls matches and wins championships.
Together, they shone last summer for the British and Irish Lions, delivering iconic moments and currently represent Scotland’s best chance in a generation to finally bring the Six Nations back to Murrayfield. Anything less than a genuine title challenge will feel like a missed opportunity.
Scotland are about to enter the 2026 Six Nations with experience, firepower and belief, but also with expected external pressure. Selection choices point to urgency, the fixture list offers no margin for error, and the spotlight on Tuipulotu and Russell has never been brighter. This squad isn’t being judged on promise anymore. It’s being judged on whether it can finally deliver. Don’t rule out the Scots.