Hogg named Scotland captain for Six Nations

Stuart Hogg has been appointed the new Scotland captain for the Six Nations, the Scottish Rugby Union announced yesterday.

The Exeter fullback takes over from Stuart McInally, who led the team out during last year’s disappointing World Cup campaign.

With 72 caps, Hogg is the most experienced player in the 38-man squad named by Gregor Townsend for this year’s championship, which starts for Scotland with a trip to Dublin on February 1.

McInally was given the armband ahead of former skippers Greig Laidlaw and John Barclay for the World Cup in Japan.

But the Edinburgh hooker had a disappointing tournament and was left out of the starting lineup as the Dark Blues saw their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals evaporate with defeat to the hosts in their final pool match.

Laidlaw and Barclay have since announced their retirement from international action. “Stuart is very passionate about playing for Scotland and he’s determined to do all he can to improve Scotland,” head coach Gregor Townsend said.

“He really cares about playing for his country, what the jersey represents and also getting the best out of his teammates.

“He’s a really intelligent rugby player who is learning and improving with every season.

“He’s very good at bringing others into the game and building relationships with those around him.”

Townsend has handed a recall to centres Matt Scott, Huw Jones and Rory Hutchinson after all three were left out of the squad that travelled to the Far East in the autumn, but Saracens’ Duncan Taylor is a notable absentee.

There are also first call-ups for Gloucester lock Alex Craig, Glasgow wing Ratu Tagive, Glasgow flanker Tom Gordon and Edinburgh number eight Nick Haining. —