Roberts to captain Scotland Men U20 in 6 Nations Opener

4 Feb 2026

Glasgow Warriors hooker Joe Roberts will captain Scotland Men U20 in their opening match of the 2026 U20 Six Nations against Italy U20 at Stadio Comunale di Monigo on Friday night (kick-off 8.15pm local/7.15pm GMT), with the match live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

The 19-year-old is one of three Glasgow Warriors players named in the matchday squad by Head Coach Fergus Pringle, and he is joined in the starting XV by clubmate Oliver McKenna, who lines up at loosehead prop.

Completing the Warriors representation in the starting side is number eight Rory Purvis, who earns his Scotland U20 debut after being part of wider squads in 2025.

Scotland U20 begin their Six Nations campaign in Italy before returning home for their opening fixtures at Hive Stadium later in the competition.

Scotland U20 team to play Italy U20 at Stadio Comunale di Monigo on Friday (kick off 8.15pm local/7.15pm GMT) – live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

15. Henry Widdowson (Edinburgh Rugby)
14. Nairn Moncrieff – Vice-captain (Edinburgh Rugby)
13. Campbell Waugh (Glasgow Hawks)
12. Henry Kesterton (Edinburgh Rugby)
11. Rory McHaffie (Edinburgh Rugby)

10. Jake Dalziel (Merchiston Castle School/Melrose RFC)
9. Hamish MacArthur (Edinburgh Rugby)

1. Oliver McKenna (Glasgow Warriors)
2. Joe Roberts – Captain (Glasgow Warriors)
3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh Rugby)
4. Christian Lindsay (Edinburgh Rugby)
5. Alfie Blackett (Cardiff Metropolitan University)
6. Sam Byrd (Edinburgh Rugby)
7. Jack Utterson (Edinburgh Rugby)
8. Rory Purvis (Glasgow Warriors)

Replacements

18. Jamie McAughtrie (Ayr RFC)
17. Will Pearce (Cardiff Metropolitan University/Bristol Bears)
18. Jamie Stewart (Edinburgh Rugby)
19. Fin Ronnie (Watsonians RFC)
20. Harvey Preston (Glasgow Hawks)
21. Oliver Finlayson-Russell (University of St Andrews)
22. Adam McKenzie (Watsonians RFC)
23. Calum Jessop (Heriot’s Rugby)