Scotland have hope of mounting a Six Nations title challenge as they embark on a fresh campaign against Italy. While optimism has been punctured somewhat by a string of untimely injuries, Gregor Townsend’s settled squad are confident that they can build on their development over the last few years and back up big performances to challenge for a long-awaited title.

Scotland's wretched run in the Under-20s Six Nations continued with 22-10 loss to Italy in Edinburgh. With just one victory in the tournament since 2021, the Scots struck first at The Hive, with Billy Allen scoring from a maul.