Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has turned to seasoned campaigners in his selection for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations championship, recalling forwards Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry to a 40-man squad that contains few major surprises. The France-based duo represent significant inclusions, having been absent from international duty since the 2025 tournament.
Experienced Forwards Return to the Fold
Dave Cherry, the 35-year-old hooker, served as Scotland's first-choice in his position during last year's Six Nations but appeared to have fallen out of contention following his summer move to French second-tier side Vannes and subsequent omission from the autumn series. Jonny Gray, the Bordeaux lock, started four of Scotland's five championship matches in 2025 but was overlooked for both the summer and autumn campaigns that followed.
Townsend Explains the Selections
Explaining the recall of these experienced forwards, Townsend highlighted their current form and past contributions. "Experience with Dave," the coach stated. "Dave's been in really good form this year. He played very well in last year's Six Nations. He was a bit of a glue player for us around his set-piece and in attack and defence. He missed the summer tour with injury and we decided to look at different options in November. On form, Dave probably should have been in the November squad. We feel his experience is really important throughout the Six Nations."
Regarding Gray, Townsend acknowledged limited opportunities at Bordeaux but praised his condition and work ethic. "Jonny hasn't had that many opportunities, but he's actually in really good form. He's playing with one of the best clubs in Europe. He's looking fit and sharp, his work-rate is outstanding. Again, someone who played really well in last year's Six Nations. He's someone that has played well for us and we can rely on him if required during this championship."
Notable Omissions and Development Opportunities
The decision to recall Cherry has raised some eyebrows, particularly given the omission of uncapped Gregor Hiddleston, Glasgow's first-choice hooker. Townsend explained this selection choice, indicating Hiddleston will receive development opportunities elsewhere. "Gregor's not really been involved with us so far so he's going to get an opportunity in the A game against Italy," he said, referring to a second-string match scheduled in Rieti on the eve of Scotland's Six Nations opener in Rome. "That'll be his first game at this level and we're looking forward to seeing him playing that game. We've got a lot of competition there but for now he's going to get that chance in the A team."
Van der Merwe's Fitness and Form
Scotland's record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe has experienced a frustrating campaign, including being dropped from the starting XV for the two main autumn Tests against New Zealand and Argentina. Townsend expressed hope that the injury-hindered 30-year-old will be ready to ignite by the time the championship begins. "Probably more concerning is that he's had a few injuries," Townsend admitted. "He's not really had a run of games. I thought his last game was really good against Gloucester. He was battling injury in that game too. He's finding his form and he just needs to get some more games. I believe he's going to be fit this week, which is a boost. He can obviously play well the next couple of weeks before the Six Nations starts."
Pressure and Expectations
Townsend and his experienced coaching team have faced increased scrutiny following back-to-back fourth-placed finishes in the Six Nations and a disappointing autumn campaign. When questioned about feeling additional pressure, the coach remained philosophical. "I don't really think in those terms," he responded. "I think I'm so privileged to be going into another Six Nations. I can't wait to be working with the players again. When I see the team, I see the players in really good form, it excites me for what's coming up ahead. We've got players coming on the back of really good form and good performances in Europe and players coming back from injury that we missed in November."
The selection decisions reflect Townsend's strategy of blending experience with current form as Scotland prepares for the championship challenge ahead, with particular emphasis on reliable performers who have delivered in previous campaigns.
