As the 2025 Six Nations Championship approaches, Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend faces injury setbacks but remains confident in his squad’s ability to step up and make an impact on the tournament.
Key Injuries Test Scotland’s Depth
The losses of captain Sione Tuipulotu and lock Scott Cummings deal a blow to Scotland’s Six Nations hopes. Tuipulotu, the dynamic center, requires surgery on a pectoral muscle injury suffered in training with the Glasgow Warriors. Cummings, meanwhile, fractured his arm early in Glasgow’s European Champions Cup defeat to Harlequins.
“I think it’s a blow to the tournament and to our supporters that they don’t see Sione playing. But for the team you have to accept that injuries happen, and that’s why you create depth over a longer period.”
– Gregor Townsend, Scotland Head Coach
Opportunity Knocks for Rising Stars
Rather than dwell on the setbacks, Townsend emphasized the chance for other players to step into larger roles. Scotland’s squad boasts nearly 700 caps of experience from November’s internationals, providing a strong foundation.
- Cohesion and understanding: The experienced core grasps Townsend’s desired style of play and each other’s strengths.
- Skill and creativity: Scotland’s playmakers can bring others into the game and get wingers more touches.
“We have some really good [centers] in our squad that now have an opportunity that they probably didn’t think was coming along, and we’re backing them to go and grab that opportunity.”
– Gregor Townsend
Flashes of Brilliance, Lacking Consistency
In recent years, Scotland has shown the ability to stun top teams like England in the Calcutta Cup, but has struggled to string together a complete Six Nations campaign. Last November featured solid home wins over Australia, Fiji and Portugal, but a Murrayfield loss to world champions South Africa.
| Tournament | Wins | Losses | Position |
| 2022 Six Nations | 2 | 3 | 4th |
| 2023 Six Nations | 2 | 3 | 4th |
| 2024 Six Nations | 3 | 2 | 3rd |
Depth on Display from Tournament’s Start
Scotland kicks off their 2025 Six Nations campaign at home to Italy on February 1st. How Townsend’s squad copes in the absence of Tuipulotu and Cummings will be immediately tested.
If rising stars can seize their opportunities and the experienced core plays to its potential, Scotland could finally deliver a complete Six Nations effort. The depth Townsend has cultivated faces its greatest challenge, and greatest chance to shine.
