‘Emerging’ Scotland to face Italy U23s

An ‘Emerging’ Scotland side – comprised of the best young players in the country – will take on Italy Under-23s next month at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh.

The game on 14 December is part of the national academy pilot programme which was launched in September to “add increased value to the development of a selected group of promising players”.

The pilot players were selected from Scottish Rugby’s regional academies and the senior academies of Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh.

The Scotland squad will be coached by national boss Gregor Townsend and his staff.

Head coach Townsend said: “This fixture enables us to bring our best young players together, have a week of training with national team coaches, and take on a quality international side.”