Debrief from Six Nations launch in rainy Rome
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00:00Hello, it's Graeme Bean from the Scotsman. I'm in Rome for the launch of the 2025 Guinness
00:08Six Nations. A rather rainy Rome today, I'm afraid, but it's been an exciting couple of
00:16days nevertheless. We watched Gregor Townsend and Rory Darge represent Scotland at the big
00:24launch event at Spazio Field, an arts centre in the city. Darge, of course, has taken over
00:33as co-captain, along with Finn Russell, following the loss of Sione Tupulotu to injury, which
00:40is obviously a real blow for Scotland. Gregor Townsend said yesterday that he reckons Tupulotu
00:47will be out for four to five months, which is a real shame for the player and for the
00:52team. He's such an important figure, both on the field and off. There's a hope that
00:59he'll be back before the end of the season, maybe play for Glasgow Warriors towards the
01:02end, depending on how far they get in the URC play-offs. But also, the hope is that
01:10he will be involved in one of the summer tours, whether that's Scotland's tour to the Pacific
01:14Islands or, more importantly, the Lions' tour to Australia, which I think is what he's targeting.
01:20There's a lot of work to be done between now and then, but of course we've got the
01:23Six Nations kicking off a week on Saturday. Scotland are playing Italy in the opening
01:28game at Murrayfield, then home again the following weekend to play Ireland. So it's a good start
01:33for Scotland. And the mood with Townsend and Darge is very upbeat, very confident, despite
01:39the injuries. Tupulotu is not the only one that's been ruled out, of course. Scott Cummings
01:45and also Dylan Richardson, both absolutely from the squad now due to injury. Aaron Reid
01:51was called up as a precaution to cover for Doohan van der Merwe, who's carrying a slight
01:58niggle. But this is a huge opportunity for Scotland. It's a very talented group and the
02:06feeling amongst Darge is a quiet confidence that they can do something this year. It was
02:13disappointing last season, just two wins over Wales and England and defeat by Italy
02:18was a real sort of sour note for Scotland. But, you know what, Italy up first is a good
02:25start and I think there's a real focus there to try and make up for what happened last
02:30year. But please stay tuned to The Scotsman for further updates throughout the tournament,
02:35which once again kicks off a week on Saturday. Scotland, Italy and Murrayfield. Thank you.