Hogg and Sexton to lead rivals into new Six Nations campaign
STUART HOGG has been appointed as the new Scotland captain for the Six Nations.
The Exeter full-back takes over from Stuart McInally, who led the team out during last year’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
With 71 caps, the two-time British and Irish Lion is the most experienced player in the 38-man squad named by Gregor Townsend for this year’s championship, which start for Scotland with a trip to Dublin on February 1.
Townsend has also 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.
Johnny Sexton has been appointed Ireland captain for the Six Nations – replacing the retired Rory Best – while new head coach Andy Farrell has named five uncapped players in his 35-man squad.
Leinster trio Ronan Kelleher, Caelan Doris and Max Deegan are among the potential Test debutants, along with Ulster pair Billy Burns and Tom O’Toole.
Saracens centre Nick Tompkins and 18-year-old Gloucester wing Louis ReesZammit have both been named in Wales’ Six Nations squad.
They are joined by three more uncapped players in Sale Sharks prop WillGriff John, Wasps lock Will Rowlands and Scarlets wing Johnny McNicholl, and there is also a recall for scrum-half Rhys Webb.
Webb last played Test rugby just over two years ago before joining French club Toulon and ruling himself out of Wales contention because he did not meet the minimum 60-cap selection criteria.