Should Van der Merwe prove his fitness and be available for selection for the opener with Italy, he will have an opportunity to become Scotland’s all-time record try scorer if he outscores current team-mate Darcy Graham. However, that is not the only Six Nations record that is currently in the South African-born wing’s sights.

Six Nations kicks off on Friday 31 January with Wales taking on France in the opening match at the Stade de France in Paris. Find out all you need to know about this year's tournament here.

Arron Reed has returned to Gregor Townsend’s squad but another player has withdrawn from the camp and will miss the 2025 tournament.

Reuben Logan, the son of new Match of the Day host Gabby and former Scotland international Kenny, is due to play in the U20s Six Nations having been eligible to represent three different teams

Cam Redpath, the Bath centre, will come into contention later in the tournament. He is nursing an unspecified leg injury but Townsend hopes he will be available for the third match, against England.

Former Edinburgh boss Richard Cockerill is back with Black Lion. He discussed a range of issues, including Georgia's Six Nations ambitions.

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby says that his team are more motivated by improving, rather than worrying about the strength of the chasing pack as they seek another successful Six Nations championship.

Saracens' New Zealand-born stand-off Fergus Burke has been named in Scotland's squad for the 2025 Six Nations. Burke joined the English club last summer to fill the void left by former England captain Owen Farrell's move to France.

The switch is a coup for Kenny Murray, the head coach of the young Scots, who has included Logan in his 34-player squad for the championship which kicks off for his side with a game against Italy at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh on Friday, January 31.

There’s an obvious caveat that needs to be added, but there is a chance that this weekend could see the South African teams get over their EPCR competition hangovers by populating the top eight of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship log.

Scotland have been handed a major boost ahead of their Under-20s Six Nations campaign after Northampton Saints back-row forward Reuben Logan switched allegiance from rivals England.