How to watch Italy vs Scotland: Kick-off time, TV channel and team news for 2026 Guinness Six Nations opener
Gregor Townsend’s men will be kicking off their Six Nations campaign in Rome this weekend.
As Scotland prepare for their Guinness Six Nations opener in Italy, here’s everything you need to know about the weekend’s showdown.
Gregor Townsend is looking to right the wrongs of the Autumn Nations series, where the Scots suffered two defeats against both New Zealand and Argentina. In a campaign the Scotland boss himself described as ‘open’ with arguably the best squad in terms of depth they’ve had in recent memory, there is an air of optimism around the National side, however they can ill-afford any more capitulations like November.
There was one stage where the Italians were seen as a bogey team for the Scots around 15 years ago, however over the past decade, the Scots have won 14 of the last 15 meetings, however the one loss on that record happened the last time they played in Rome. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about Scotland’s Six Nations fixture against Italy:
When and where will Italy vs Scotland take place?
The match will take place at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, February 7. Kick off is scheduled for 2:10pm GMT (3:10pm local time).
What channel will Italy vs Scotland be on?
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One, with coverage set to start at 1pm. The other opening matches will be shown on ITV, with France vs Ireland starting at 8:10 on Thursday night and England vs Wales at 4:40 on Sunday. The Scotland match will be also available to watch on the go via the BBC iPlayer.
Who is the referee for Italy vs Scotland?
The man in the middle on Saturday will be New Zealand’s Ben O’Keeffe. He’ll be assisted by James Doleman and Katsuki Furuse. The TMO will be Richard Kelly.
What is Scotland’s head-to-head like against Italy?
Scotland have won 29 out of the 38 matches they’ve played against Italy since their first encounter in 1996. The Scots won the last meeting between the sides 31-19 in last year’s competition. The 2024 Stadio Olimpico win was Italy’s first win against Scotland in Rome for 13 years, however before then, they had the upper hand when at home.
Who’s in the Scotland squad to face Italy?
There have been a few tweaks and changes to Townsend’s original 40 man squad, with Gus Warr and Gregor Hiddleston being drafted in. Meanwhile Liam McConnell has returned to Edinburgh following a rib injury. The updated Scotland squad looks as follows:
Forwards: Ewan Ashman – Edinburgh Rugby, Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby, Magnus Bradbury – Edinburgh Rugby, Gregor Brown – Glasgow Warriors, Dave Cherry – Vannes, Scott Cummings – Glasgow Warriors, Alex Craig – Glasgow Warriors, Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors, Jack Dempsey – Glasgow Warriors, Freddy Douglas – Edinburgh Rugby, Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors, Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors, Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby, Jonny Gray – Union Bordeaux Bègles, Gregor Hiddleston - Glasgow Warriors, Nathan McBeth – Glasgow Warriors, Elliot Millar Mills – Northampton Saints, D’arcy Rae – Edinburgh Rugby, Jamie Ritchie – Perpignan, Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby, Rory Sutherland – Glasgow Warriors, George Turner – Harlequins, Max Williamson – Glasgow Warriors.
Backs: Fergus Burke – Saracens, Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors, Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby, Adam Hastings – Glasgow Warriors, George Horne – Glasgow Warriors, Rory Hutchinson – Northampton Saints, Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors, Tom Jordan – Bristol Bears, Blair Kinghorn – Toulouse, Stafford McDowall – Glasgow Warriors, Finn Russell – Bath Rugby, Kyle Rowe- Glasgow Warriors, Ollie Smith – Glasgow Warriors, Kyle Steyn – Glasgow Warriors, Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors, Duhan van der Merwe – Edinburgh Rugby, Gus Warr - Sale Sharks, Ben White – Toulon.