Sack Update On Scotland boss Gregor Townsend After Italy Defeat

Saturday, 07 February 2026 at 17:30

byRugby Rucker

Scotland’s Six Nations campaign began in damaging fashion with a dispiriting defeat to Italy in rain-soaked Rome, a result that has immediately raised uncomfortable questions about where Gregor Townsend’s side goes from here.

For the second year running, the Scots found themselves on the wrong end of a rampant Italian start. Having overturned a 12-point deficit to stun Scotland in 2024, the hosts this time surged into a 12-point lead of their own, exploiting early inaccuracies and a lack of control from the visitors.

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Scotland did rally, narrowing the gap to just three points by the final whistle, but the comeback masked a performance riddled with problems. Italy were sharper, more disciplined and far more effective at the set-piece, laying the platform for a victory that never truly looked in doubt despite the late pressure.

This was a contest dictated by the forwards, and Scotland came off second best. Star backs Finn Russell and Huw Jones struggled to impose themselves, but the real damage was done up front, where Italy’s physicality and accuracy consistently outmatched the Scots in conditions that demanded exactly those qualities.

With a Valentine’s Day showdown against England at Murrayfield looming, the sense of jeopardy around Scotland’s Six Nations campaign is already growing. Another defeat would leave the tournament in tatters and inevitably crank up the scrutiny on Townsend, who has already faced questions over Scotland’s consistency on the biggest stage.

So where does this leave the Scotland head coach?

RUCK understands that, despite the shock nature of the loss, Scottish Rugby are not currently considering any immediate action regarding Townsend’s future. Senior figures remain relaxed and are not expected to make any hasty decisions on the back of one result, however damaging it may be.

For now, Townsend remains safe. But with four matches remaining and pressure building quickly, a clear upturn in performances and results will be required if Scotland are to rescue their Six Nations — and if their head coach is to prevent the heat from rising significantly as the championship unfolds.

POLL:

SCOTLAND PLAYER RATINGS VS ITALY:

15. Tom Jordan - 4

Caught out in no man’s land for Italy’s first try as a grubber kick was sent careering past him. Had a moment of brilliant defence to chase down Monty Ioane in a broken field of play. Unable to find a fellow colleague in pink with a pass from a promising position.

14. Kyle Steyn - 4

Very flat on the edge defence and could only watch Menoncello run in Italy’s second try. Did not receive much ball through his channel, perhaps due to the weather.

13. Huw Jones - 3

Barely touched the ball in the first half and little impact on Scotland’s battle to try and get back into the match. Strange performance.

12. Sione Tuipulotu (c) - 4

Offered a couple of dangerous moments as he tried to explore space in the wide areas, only to be foiled by the slippy surface. Did not live up to his usual livewire self and could not drag his side over the gainline.

11. Jamie Dobie - 3

Again, another Scottish error stopped a promising period of momentum. Later, Dobie was adjudged to have taken Menoncello out in the way after chipping the ball through. Needed to work more off his wing to try and find the ball. Replaced by Darcy Graham on the 50th minute.

10. Finn Russell - 5

An outstanding kick from a penalty just before the quarter-way mark put Scotland into an attacking position, only to be spilled from the set piece. Kicked the ball out on the full from a restart, which resulted in Italy winning a penalty.

9. Ben White - 4

Good commanding of his forwards and correct decision to keep it in hand for Dempsey’s try, but that was about it. Unable to affect the aerial battle through his box kicking and was overshadowed by his replacement.

1. Pierre Schoeman - 4

Brought off briefly for an HIA before returning to the field. Immediately, the loosehead was under pressure from a revved-up Italian scrum and conceded a penalty.

2. Ewan Ashman - 3

At the centre of the attacking phases on Italy’s try line. A couple of strong carries. Threw a lineout too long at the start of the second half, which gave the home side a chance to break away. Unbelievably, Scotland’s two next lineouts were lost from their own throw. Gave away a penalty for a high tackle just before being replaced by George Turner.

3. Zander Fagerson - 4

Lost the ball in contact in the 16th minute as Italy’s defence remained on top. Dominated in the scrum battle.

4. Scott Cummings - 4

Penalised for jumping across the lineout, allowing Italy to extend their lead through a Garbisi penalty. Not a great performance.

5. Grant Gilchrist - 4

Gave away a penalty in the 12th minute for obstruction as Scotland were gathering momentum. Gregor Brown replaced him early in the second half after a disappointing performance from the second row.

6. Matt Fagerson - 4

Did not have a presence within the match and as a result, Italy dominated the breakdown and set piece. A day to forget.

7. Rory Darge - 3

Not his usual, barnstorming self. Italy did well to shut him down through some aggressive tackles. Unable to affect the breakdown with his jackalling skills.

8. Jack Dempsey - 6

Momentarily halted Italy’s supremacy over the first half by showing off his footwork to crash over for Scotland’s first score. One of only three bright sparks in the Scotland side.

REPLACEMENTS:

16. George Turner - 2

Came on for Ashman to try and reverse Scotland’s fortunes in the lineout. He was unsuccessful at first and found himself shortly back on the sidelines after receiving a yellow card for a dangerous clearout.

17. Nathan McBeth - 4

Came on early for Schoeman at the half hour mark due to a head injury assessment. Part of the disfunctioning set piece.

18. Elliot Millar-Mills - 4

Gave away a needless penalty for hands in the ruck. Could not change the way the scrum was going as Italy continued to cause problems.

19. Max Williamson - 4

Nothing important to note. Added no impetus in Scotland’s quest to try and take a result away from the match.

20. Gregor Brown - 4

Spilled a lineout late on after a couple of other knock ons when he came on. Not helped by the awful weather and was reprieved by Italy conceding a penalty in the lineout.

21. George Horne - 6

Added much needed urgency and tenacity to Scotland’s gameplan when he came on. Got an important try as he outpaced two Italian defenders in a small amount of space down the blindside. Staked a claim to start in the next match.

22. Adam Hastings - N/A

23. Darcy Graham - 6

Showed his aerial prowess with a great take in the air despite the wet conditions. Needs to start the remaining games in this year’s tournament otherwise Scotland could be in serious trouble.