Scotland a to Face Italy XV in February

On the eve of Scotland’s Guinness Six Nations campaign starting, Scotland A will take on Italy XV on the outskirts of Rome next year.

On Friday 6 February, Scotland A will take on the Italians at Stadio Centro D’italia in Rieti with the kick-off still to be confirmed. Scotland A fixtures have returned in recent times with the side defeating Chile in Santiago 45-5, in 2022, before edging victory over the same opponent, 19-17, last November at Hive Stadium.

The side will be led by head coach Nigel Carolan who is attack coach at Glasgow Warriors. He will be assisted by fellow Glasgow Warriors assistant coach Scott Forrest and Edinburgh Rugby assistant coach Stevie Lawrie. Lawrie was involved in the coaching staff last year in the game againt Chile. Carolan joined Glasgow Warriors in 2021 from Connacht and played a key role in Glasgow’s URC title winning success in 2024. The match against Italy XV will take place on the same night as Scotland U20 open their Six Nations campaign against the Italians with that match set to be played in Treviso.

Scotland A head coach Nigel Carolan said: “It’s a great honour for me to lead Scotland A at the start of next year. Having been here for four years coaching some of the best players in the country, to be head coach of the Scotland A team is a privilege and something I’ll cherish.

“The match will be beneficial for all involved, giving players the opportunity to play a competitive match against what will be a strong Italy side.

“It’s great to have both Stevie (Lawrie) and Scott (Forrest) alongside me in the coaching team. Stevie is well established with Edinburgh and has done a great job with their forwards. He also has good experience with Scotland A having been in the coaching set-up last year.

“Having worked with Scott for the last six months, I’ve seen first hand how professional and detailed he is. He’s doing really well with the defence at Glasgow and I look forward to seeing that transferred to Scotland A.

“We will travel to Rome with the men’s team and that will give our players good exposure to the international set-up as Gregor’s team prepare for a huge game to open their Six Nations.”

Scottish Rugby Performance Director, David Nucifora said: “Scotland A matches are incredibly valuable for a number of reasons and we’re looking forward to playing Italy over in Rome before the men’s Six Nations begins.

“Scotland A matches offer an opportunity for young players to get a taste for international rugby and also provide game time for players on the fringes of the national squad.

“Nigel Carolan is the perfect fit to lead the team this time around given his experience with Glasgow and the knowledge he has of the players. Stevie (Lawrie) and Scott (Forrest) are both talented coaches and will contribute to a nice blend within the coaching team.

“Friday 6 February will be a brilliant opportunity for a number of Scottish players with the 20s in action on the same day, giving everyone involved valuable game time opportunities at a high level.”