Gregor Hiddleston Identified as Strong Contender for Scotland’s Six Nations Squad

Tom English, BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer, addressed inquiries regarding Scottish rugby. One question, posed by Rob, concerned the ‘Emerging Scotland’ versus Italy Under-23 match, asking whether it represented a concerning loss indicative of deficiencies in grassroots development and player pathways, or if it marked the beginning of a valuable program to provide young talent with training from senior coaches and experience in high-level games. English responded that the initiative was “long overdue,” noting that Ireland has deployed ‘Emerging’ teams on tours to South Africa for the past “two or three years,” indicating Scotland’s need to advance in this area. He emphasized the necessity for these young players to participate in “higher level games – and plenty of them,” alongside receiving “a higher level of coaching,” describing the program as “a big step in the right direction down an admittedly long, long road.” Further questions came from readers, with Ian inquiring about the victors at Hampden and Murrayfield, and which team would secure the silverware on aggregate. Similarly, Nick sought English’s opinion on the optimal outcome for Gregor Townsend from the “1872 double-header,” questioning whether it would be a “dominant champion side in Glasgow or an Edinburgh side adding up to the sum of its parts? (Aside from no injuries!)” English stated that Glasgow was anticipated to be the favorite for the first leg, but would also benefit from “extra motivation of putting on a show in front of a much bigger crowd than they’re used to in the city.” He characterized them as “a fantastic team; brutally tough and rapier sharp on attack,” and expressed his belief that “they can win both legs.” Murray then asked about the perception of derby games serving as “an audition to the Scotland squad,” and who English believed was “most likely to push into the Scotland squad.” English replied that the “Scotland matchday squad is really settled,” suggesting that “most of the 23 to play Italy on day one of the Six Nations” could be identified with ease. However, he noted “one person who has a big chance of playing his way into it.” While Ewan Ashman is set to start at hooker, the back-up position is “very much up for grabs.” He mentioned Dylan Richardson, who featured in “three of the autumn games,” as a possibility, but highlighted Gregor Hiddleston as having “a great opportunity in these games against Edinburgh.” English praised Hiddleston’s performance this season, describing him as “really good this season. Tough and aggressive, decent scrummager, busy around the park.” He also noted Hiddleston is “only 22” and expressed excitement about him, as well as “Max Williamson, Euan Ferrie, Alex Samuel, Jare Oguntibeju and others at Scotstoun,” concluding that “There’s such a good next wave there.” For the upcoming Six Nations, English concluded that Hiddleston possesses “the biggest chance of crashing through.”