Hart named as co-captain for Scotland U20

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Ruaraidh Hart in action for Warriors during a pre-season friendly between Glasgow Warriors and Zebre Parma at Scotstoun Stadium, on September 30, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The Birkmyre product is one of eight Glasgow academy players selected in the matchday 23 by Head Coach Kenny Murray, as Scotland go in search of their first win in this season’s competition after three competitive performances to date.

Callum Norrie lines up at tight-head for the fourth successive fixture in the competition, the prop having featured prominently at both the set-piece and in the loose thus far.

Ryan Burke comes in to start in the engine room, having come off the bench last time out against England in Edinburgh.

Co-captain Hart shifts to the blindside to accommodate Burke’s inclusion, making it a trio of Warriors in the starting pack for Murray’s men.

Fergus Watson is the sole Glasgow representative in the back-line, the Biggar flyer moving to the wing after starting all three matches to date at full-back.

Matthew Urwin is set for his first appearance of the competition after being named amongst the replacements, having helped Scotland to an historic gold medal in the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games.

Urwin’s captain from that squad, Johnny Ventisei, joins him on the bench, having come off the bench to make his Scotland U20 Six Nations debut last time out.

Back-rower Jonny Morris wears the number 20 jersey, covering the loose-forward positions after featuring in each of his side’s matches to date.

Callum Smyth rounds out the Glasgow contingent selected by Head Coach Murray, the loose-head lining up amongst the front-row cover at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo.

Supporters can watch the match live on BBC iPlayer this Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 7.15pm UK time.