Will Scotland's world-class backs be enough to see them finally challenge for the Six Nations title... and silence any doubts over Gregor Townsend's future?
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Depending on how things pan out over the next couple of months, there’s a chance that this year’s Six Nations championship could well be a last hurrah for Gregor Townsend as Scotland head coach. The 51-year-old former Glasgow Warriors boss remains under contract for another year, with his current deal set to expire in April 2026.
![[Sione Tuipulotu has been in scintillating form of late and should retain the captaincy]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/14/15/94084171-14283929-image-a-37_1736869663121.jpg)
Whether he sees his contract out or not will depend on Scotland’s results in this year’s championship, especially given they have the benefit of three home games. If they were to repeat last year’s poor showing of just two wins, it would be impossible to make the case for him being allowed to remain in position.
![[Scotland will, however, rely hugely on prop Zander Fagerson to keep the scrum competitive]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/14/15/94084169-14283929-image-a-38_1736869666674.jpg)
When he names his squad on Wednesday afternoon, Townsend will be under no illusions that a major improvement is required. It all starts when Italy visit Murrayfield on Saturday, February 1. That will be a revenge mission for Townsend and his players after they suffered a humiliating defeat in Rome last year.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend should be in confident mood ahead of the Six Nations. Sione Tuipulotu has been in scintillating form of late and should retain the captaincy. Scotland will, however, rely hugely on prop Zander Fagerson to keep the scrum competitive.
Scotland will then host Ireland at Murrayfield the following week, with the visitors looking to become the first team in history to win three successive Six Nations titles. Ireland will be without Andy Farrell due to his commitments with the British and Irish Lions, with Simon Easterby set to take charge.
