Five players called up to Scotland squad ahead of Six Nations opener

Five players have been called up to the Scotland squad ahead of their Six Nations opener this weekend.

Gregor Townsend’s men take on Italy in Edinburgh on Saturday as they get their campaign under way at Murrayfield.

Euan Ferrie, Cameron Henderson, Ewan Johnson, Alexander Masibaka and Ollie Smith have all joined up with the squad.

Australia-born Masibaka will replace Josh Bayliss, who sustained a groin injury playing for Bath in their victory over Sale Sharks, in the squad.

Bayliss will remain with Bath for further assessment to determine exact timescales.

Uncapped Ferrie was a member of the URC winning Glasgow Warriors squad last season and has previously trained with the national team.

Henderson made his Scotland debut against Italy two years ago 2023 before sustaining a knee injury at the end of the year.

Johnson made his debut on Scotland’s summer tour last year, in a 73-12 victory over Canada.

The Oyonnax second-row also made his first appearance at Murrayfield against Portugal in 2024 and played in the Scotland A victory over Chile at the end of the year.

Smith made his long-awaited comeback in a Glasgow Warriors jersey at the weekend in their win over Connacht and caps off his return from injury with a call-up to the Scotland squad after playing for Emerging Scotland at the tail end of last year.

After hosting Italy, Scotland’s campaign will continue against Ireland with another game at Murrayfield a week later on February 9.

They then travel to Twickenham to take on England on Saturday, February 22, before Wales come to Edinburgh for the penultimate weekend on March 8.

Townsend’s men end their campaign with a trip to Paris to play France on March 15.