New man number one: Fergus Burke
The former New Zealand under-20 cap Fergus Burke (pictured above) qualifies to play for Scotland through his Glasgow-born grandfather and could earn his first cap during the tournament.
Townsend said of the 25-year-old Saracens stand-off who can also fill in at fullback: “We've known about his Scottish heritage for two or three years now and we've kept in touch.
“There is an opening in our squad with Adam [Hastings] getting injured so we feel it was the right time for him. He's someone that really understands the game from an attacking perspective and is playing regular rugby at a top team in Saracens. He's a very good defender and also he can play fullback which gives us good cover.”
New man number two: Jack Mann
The 25-year-old back-rower Jack Mann has been in great form at No.8 for Glasgow Warriors since breaking into the team in November and has been rewarded with a first Scotland call-up.
“We are so happy for Jack,” Townsend said of the former Scotland under-20 cap.
“We were really excited about Jack two years ago when he played that game down at Bath and just looked like a player that's got so much to bring at No.8.
“His ball carrying, his defensive ability and post-tackle work were excellent in that game and then, of course, he had a long lay-off [with concussion and an ankle issue].
“It's been great that he's came back and played regularly recently and we are looking forward to him meeting up with the group and getting involved.”
Returning man number one: Jonny Gray
Now 30, Jonny Gray has earned 77 caps for his country, but has not played for a couple of years due to injury and other reasons.
He is now with Bordeaux Bègles in France and his experience could be key for the Scots during the event.
“It's been an unfortunate time for him with injury,” Townsend explained.
“He obviously rested in the Autumn Nations Series period, had a couple of games for his club and then injured another part of his body.
“He should play for his club before the Six Nations And he did play really well leading up to November, he was in excellent form.
“He's a big personality, he has a great sense of humour and in a rugby context he brings great toughness and experience.”
Returning man number two: Dave Cherry
At 34 and having not played for Scotland since the Rugby World Cup in 2023, Edinburgh Rugby hooker Dave Cherry may have felt his international career was over.
However, good recent club form means he could add to his 11 caps in the coming months and Townsend said: “Dave's played really well of late.
“As a group of coaches when we look at Dave's performances we know what we get is a real solidity and consistency particular in the set piece area.
“We have selected four hookers we feel that the three hookers that were in with us in November have done well, but Dave may be able to put pressure on them for game time.”
Returning man number three: Marshall Sykes
Second-row Marshall Sykes of Edinburgh Rugby earned his only Scotland cap to date back in 2021 versus Tonga.
Townsend has explained why the 25-year-old is now back in the mix, saying: “We feel Marshall has been playing at a consistent level. He's a big man and he always has been, but he's now using his body both in defence and in his ball carrying to a better and better effect.
“There are a number of second-rows who were in our thoughts, but he gets the chance to train alongside the others in this group and really show us what he is all about these days.”
A largely settled squad could help Scotland’s chances
Apart from the five players featured, the other 32 involved were all part of things during the calendar year 2024.
Captain Sione Tuipulotu and vice-captains Finn Russell and Rory Darge make up a strong leadership group and consistency in selection could be a benefit for the Scots.
“There are a few changes, there always is at this level of rugby, but in the main it's a squad that we've worked with for a number of years and in particular during the Autumn Nations Series,” Townsend explained.
“A lot of the guys are back in for this campaign and we are all excited to get going.”
Scotland begin their 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations campaign against Italy in Rome on Saturday 1st February.
