Scotland calls up five players for Six Nations opener against Italy

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has called up five players to the squad ahead of their Six Nations opener against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday, following injuries to four original squad members. The new additions include Euan Ferrie, Cameron Henderson, Ewan Johnson, Ollie Smith, and Australia-born Alexander Masibaka, who replaces Josh Bayliss due to a groin injury. Masibaka qualifies for Scotland through his mother and has been performing well in France's Pro D2 league. Ferrie, an uncapped player from Glasgow Warriors, has previously trained with the national team, while Henderson and Johnson are returning from injuries sustained last year. Smith recently made his comeback for Glasgow Warriors after injury and is now back in the national squad. Scotland’s campaign will continue with a match against Ireland a week after facing Italy.