Scotland U20 boss Kenny Murray has rung the changes ahead of their U20 Six Nations clash against England U20 at Kingston Park, Newcastle, this Friday (kick-off 7.15 pm) – live on BBC iPlayer.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
Murray has made five changes – all in the pack – as Scotland aim to bounce back from two tough opening fixtures. Among the new faces is Freddy Douglas, who returns from injury for his first U20 Six Nations appearance of the campaign. The flanker already boasts a senior Scotland cap, having featured against Portugal during the Autumn Nations Series.
But it’s Reuben Logan who catches the eye at number 8. The Northampton Saints youngster comes from serious rugby royalty – his father is former Scotland winger Kenny Logan, while his mother, Gabby Logan, is one of the most recognisable faces in sports broadcasting. Adding an extra twist? Logan previously pulled on the white jersey for England U18 before switching allegiances.
Changes up front
Douglas slots in at openside flanker, while Oliver Duncan comes in at blindside, joining Logan in a new-look back row. The front row sees Jake Shearer start at loosehead prop, Seb Stephen at hooker, and Ollie Blyth-Lafferty retains his place at tighthead.
In the second row, Bart Godsell makes his first start of the tournament alongside Dan Halkon.
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Backs stay the same
Despite the shake-up in the pack, the back line remains unchanged. Scrum-half Noah Cowan and stand-off Matthew Urwin continue their half-back partnership, while Kerr Yule and captain Johnny Ventisei link up again in midfield.
Out wide, Fergus Watson holds down the left wing, with Nairn Moncrieff – a late call-up last time out – on the right. Jack Brown completes the starting XV at full-back.
Murray demands a full 80-minute performance
Kenny Murray knows his side faces a serious challenge against an unbeaten England.
“England have made a good start to the tournament and are a strong side, so we’ll need to up our performance levels,” said Murray. “We’ve competed in parts of our games, but we’re still chasing that 80-minute performance.
“It’s excellent to welcome back Freddy Douglas – his experience from playing at senior level will be invaluable.”
Scotland U20 team to face England U20
15. Jack Brown (Edinburgh Rugby)
14. Nairn Moncrieff (Edinburgh Rugby)
13. Johnny Ventisei (c) (Glasgow Warriors)
12. Kerr Yule (Glasgow Warriors)
11. Fergus Watson (Glasgow Warriors)
10. Matthew Urwin (Glasgow Warriors)
9. Noah Cowan (Brunel University/Ealing Trailfinders)
1. Jake Shearer (Glasgow Warriors)
2. Seb Stephen (Edinburgh Academical FC)
3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh Rugby)
4. Bart Godsell (Loughborough University)
5. Dan Halkon (Glasgow Warriors)
6. Oliver Duncan (Edinburgh Rugby)
7. Freddy Douglas (Edinburgh Rugby)
8. Reuben Logan (Northampton Saints)
Replacements:
16. Joe Roberts (Glasgow Warriors)
17. Oliver McKenna (Glasgow Warriors)
18. Jamie Stewart (Edinburgh Rugby)
19. Charlie Moss (Montpellier)
20. Billy Allen (Dungannon RFC)
21. Hamish MacArthur (Edinburgh Rugby)
22. Campbell Waugh (Glasgow Hawks)
23. Ross Wolfenden (Edinburgh Rugby)
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UPDATED: Foreign-born players in the 2025 Six Nations
The following breakdown, based on data compiled by Americas Rugby News, examines the composition of various national teams, shedding light on the number of foreign-born players and how they qualify for their respective squads.
This international blend underlines rugby’s global nature, with some nations leaning on overseas-born talent more than others. Ahead of round two, we’ve broken down the squads – and Scotland lead the way by a mile when it comes to foreign-born players.
ENGLAND
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 39/41 (95.2%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 3/41 (7.3%)
- Bevan Rodd (Scotland) – Parent
- Chandler Cunningham-South (England) – Born in England
- Harry Randall (England) – Born in England
- Marcus Smith (Philippines) – Parent
- Tom Roebuck (Scotland) – Parent
FRANCE
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 39/42 (92.8%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 6/42 (14.2%)
- Dany Priso (Cameroon) – Residency (2008)
- Uini Atonio (New Zealand) – Residency (2014)
- Giorgi Beria (Georgia) – Residency (2002)
- Joshua Brennan (Ireland) – Residency (2005)
- Emmanuel Meafou (New Zealand) – Residency (2023)
- Émilien Gailleton (England) – Parent
IRELAND
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 30/36 (83.3%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 9/36 (25%)
- Rob Herring (South Africa) – Grandparent
- Finlay Bealham (Australia) – Grandparent
- Cormac Izuchukwu (England) – Parent
- Joe McCarthy (USA) – Parent
- Jamison Ratu Gibson-Park (New Zealand) – Residency (2020)
- Bundee Aki (New Zealand) – Residency (2017)
- Ciarán Frawley (Australia) – Parent
- Mack Hansen (Australia) – Parent
- James Lowe (New Zealand) – Residency (2020)
