Edinburgh Rugby will be well represented in the heart of the national side’s engine room as Gregor Townsend today named his squad to face Italy in Rome for the opening round of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations.
In a testament to the strength of the capital’s tight five, Edinburgh players are set to power the Scottish pack at the Stadio Olimpico this Saturday.
Loosehead prop Pierre Schoeman and hooker Ewan Ashman – who enters the championship as Scotland’s all-time leading male try-scoring forward – both start in the front row.
The vastly experienced Grant Gilchrist continues his presence in the second row to provide veteran leadership at set-piece.
The Edinburgh influence extends to the finishers, where the explosive Darcy Graham returns to the matchday 23.
Set to add a significant injection of x-factor from the bench, Graham provides a lethal attacking threat for the closing stages of the contest.
This contingent of capital stars will be looking to kickstart Scotland’s campaign with a victory against the Azzurri, with the action kicking off at 2:10pm this Saturday 7 February, live on BBC One.
Scotland team to face Italy in the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations at Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Saturday 7 February 2026, kick-off 2.10pm – live on BBC One
15. Tom Jordan – Bristol Bears (12)
14. Kyle Steyn – Glasgow Warriors (28)
13. Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors (58)
12. Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors (33) – Captain
11. Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors (17)
10. Finn Russell – Bath Rugby (89) – Vice-Captain
9. Ben White – Toulon (31)
1. Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby (44)
2. Ewan Ashman – Edinburgh Rugby (32)
3. Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (76)
4. Scott Cummings – Glasgow Warriors (45)
5. Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby (84)
6. Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (59)
7. Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors (34) – Vice-Captain
8. Jack Dempsey -–Glasgow Warriors (29)
Replacements
16. George Turner – Harlequins (50)
17. Nathan McBeth – Glasgow Warriors (5)
18. Elliot Millar Mills – Northampton Saints (11)
19. Max Williamson – Glasgow Warriors (9)
20. Gregor Brown – Glasgow Warriors (12)
21. George Horne – Glasgow Warriors (40)
22. Adam Hastings – Glasgow Warriors (35)
23. Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby (50)
Competitions
Win hospitality at Scarlets for your club’s Unsung Hero!
Fri 13 Feb 2026
Celtic Challenge
“Every game is now a final” – Cruikshank calls for 80-minute performance in Wales
Fri 13 Feb 2026
Player of the Month
Douglas voted Scottish Building Society Player of the Month for January
Fri 13 Feb 2026
Celtic Challenge
Philipps returns for Brython rematch
Fri 13 Feb 2026
Scotland Men
Graham and Schoeman selected for Calcutta Cup clash
Thu 12 Feb 2026
Academy
Edinburgh U18 side named to face Ealing Trailfinders U18 at The Greenyards
Thu 12 Feb 2026
EPCR
Back Edinburgh Rugby in Dublin with Gullivers Sports Travel!
Wed 11 Feb 2026
Scotland Men U20
Wolfenden returns to lead Edinburgh-heavy Scotland U20s against England
Wed 11 Feb 2026
Hospitality & Events
Women in Business: Networking Event
Mon 9 Feb 2026
Scotland Men U20
Academy stars shine as Scotland U20 triumph in Treviso
Mon 9 Feb 2026
Camps & Events
Record-breaking Evolution Festival lights up Hive Stadium
Fri 6 Feb 2026
Player of the Month
Vote now: January Scottish Building Society Player of the Month
Thu 5 Feb 2026
Club News
Edinburgh Rugby confirms initial phase of performance staff changes
Wed 4 Feb 2026
Scotland Men
Edinburgh stars set for Scotland A clash
Wed 4 Feb 2026
Scotland Men U20
Ten selected for U20 Six Nations opener
Wed 4 Feb 2026
Celtic Challenge
Late rally not enough as Brython Thunder strike at Hive Stadium
Mon 2 Feb 2026
URC
Leinster surge in second-half to overcome gritty Edinburgh
Sat 31 Jan 2026
Inclusivity & Outreach
“I love it” – Kelso’s Allison Whitson to deliver match ball at Thunder clash
Sat 31 Jan 2026
Schools & Grassroots
Evolution Festival set to kick-off Celtic Challenge clash
Fri 30 Jan 2026
Cruikshank names new-look backline for Brython test
Fri 30 Jan 2026
