Duncan Munn and Liam McConnell have been named co-captains in Kenny Murray’s Scotland squad for the 2023 Under-20 Six Nations.
Seven of the 34-strong group appeared for the age-grade Scots in 2022, with centre Munn and flanker McConnell two of the standout performers according to Murray.
Meanwhile, ten youngsters have made the step up from Under-18 level to take part in the 2023 Championship, where Scotland take on England in their first match on Friday 3 February.
Murray was pleased with the team’s development as Scotland look to improve on a disappointing campaign last year that failed to yield a victory.
Murray said: “We had a tough campaign last year although that gave a number of our players the experience of a high-pressure international playing environment. I feel pleased about our preparations as we head into the Under-20 2023 Six Nations.
Your Scotland U20 squad for the @SixNationsU20 is here 🏴
More ➡️ https://t.co/UFteN9p7N4 pic.twitter.com/NZVMccxd6r
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) January 27, 2023
“We’ve been able to name a strong squad today although there are a number of players still to return from injury who may be added to the squad over the course of the Championship.
“Over the past year in the role I’ve been able to build strong relationships with the players, and a new coaching group, as we develop them into not only great rugby players but great people too.
“I have been impressed by the players commitment to their craft across the course of the programme and I’m looking forward to what will be an exciting campaign ahead.”
Just under half – 16 – of the selected squad featured in the FOSROC Super6 Championship this season.
Boroughmuir Bears teammates Dunn and McConnell are joined by Southern Knights’ loose forward Rudi Brown, who was named in the Super6 Team of the Tournament.
The 19 forwards and 15 backs face Wales in their first home match of the Championship on Friday 10 February at Scotstoun Stadium.
All of Scotland’s U20 Six Nations matches will be available watch live in the UK on BBC iPlayer.
Tickets for the three home matches at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow are available here.
Scotland Squad for 2023 Under-20 Six Nations
Forwards
Max Surry (Cardiff Met University)
Craig Davidson (Watsonians RFC)
Moby Ogunlaja (Glasgow Hawks)
Callum Norrie* (Stirling Wolves/Glasgow Warriors)
Robbie Deans* (Watsonians/Edinburgh Rugby)
Eben Cairns** (Glasgow Hawks)
Elliot Young (Exeter Chiefs/Exeter University)
Corey Tait** (Boroughmuir Bears)
Jerry Blyth-Lafferty** (Boroughmuir Bears)
Harris McLeod* (Stirling Wolves/Glasgow Warriors)
Ruairaidh Hart** (Glasgow Hawks)
Eddie Erskine (Bath Rugby/Bath University)
Jake Parkinson (Ealing Trailfinders/Brunel University)
Rudi Brown* (Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby)
Sam Derrick** (Southern Knights)
Jonny Morris** (GHA RFC)
Liam McConnell* (Boroughmuir Bears/Edinburgh Rugby)
Ewan Guy (Cardiff Met University)
Johnny Rutherford** (Currie Chieftains)
Backs
Ben Afshar* (Ayrshire Bulls/Glasgow Warriors)
Finlay Burgess* (Stirling Wolves/Glasgow Warriors)
Charlie Clare (Harlequins/Surrey University)
Richie Simpson (Ayrshire Bulls)
Harris Rutherford** (Gala RFC)
Kerr Yule** (Glasgow Hawks)
Duncan Munn* (Boroughmuir Bears/Glasgow Warriors)
Murray Wilson** (Gala RFC)
Geordie Gwynn (Ealing Trailfinders/Brunel University)
Findlay Thomson** (Musselburgh RFC)
Amena Caqusau** (GHA RFC)
William Robinson (Caldy RFC)
Logan Jarvie* (Stirling Wolves/Glasgow Warriors)
Dan King** (Heriot’s Rugby)
Ben Evans* (Heriot’s Rugby/Edinburgh Rugby)
*FOSROC Scottish Rugby Contracted Academy Player
**FOSROC Scottish Rugby Regional Academy Player