Scotland make changes to Six Nations squad

Scotland have made three changes to their Six Nations squad ahead of the tournament opener against Italy to be played at BT Murrayfield in the weekend.

Matt Smith, Alex Dunbar and Rob Harley, who were included in the squad last week has been released while winger Rory Hughes, scrum-half Henry Pyrgos and uncapped centre Stafford McDowall has been added back.

Tighthead prop Zander Fagerson and hooker Fraser Brown will also join the squad as the injury count has been a concern for head coach Gregor Townsend.

McDowall has represented Scotland U18 and U20 levels in the past and recently signed a professional contract with Glasgow Warriors. He was also part of Scotland's U20 side during the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2017 and went on to captain them in last year's edition.

Both Scotland and Italy have played each other 29 times previously with the Dark Blues winning 21 out of it including the last six encounters between the two sides.