Four of Scotland’s victorious squad from last year’s event will be part of the 26-man group looking to defend their crown at the 2019 U18 Six Nations Festival.
Scotland triumphed at the inaugural Festival in 2018 as the only side to win each of their three games and Scott Clelland, Daniel Gamble, Jamie Dobie and Matthew Currie all return as they attempt to retain their title.
All six countries will play three games during the ten-day competition in England, with the first round of fixtures taking place at Hartpury College’s Gillman’s Ground on Saturday.
Matchday two is at Sixways Stadium next Wednesday, before Kingsholm Stadium – home of Gloucester – hosts the finale on Sunday April 21.
Scotland open up with a clash against Italy before taking on Wales and finally Ireland, with U18 head coach Ross Miller confident of Scottish success.
Miller said: “Preparation has gone very well, the squad are in a good place and very much looking forward to the festival.
“The squad are excited to face new challenges and will be looking for further opportunity to progress their development.”
Scotland U18 Six Nations Festival squad (April 13-21)
Forwards: Ben Mace (Stirling County), Jamie Drummond (Marr), Scott Clelland (Ayr)*, James Johnstone (Preston Lodge / Preston Lodge High School)*, Cole Lamberton (The Royal High School), Dan Gamble (Merchiston Castle School)*, Alex Samuel (Madras / St Leonards)*, Jamie Campbell (Kelvinside Academy), Struan Whittaker (Edinburgh Accies)*, Gregor Brown (Robert Gordon’s College)*, Josh King (Queen Victoria School / Stirling County)*, Rory Jackson (Kelvinside Academy)*, Ben Muncaster (Rugby School / Leicester Tigers), Harri Morris (George Watson’s College).
Backs: Jamie Dobie (Merchiston Castle School)*, Cameron Scott (Preston Lodge)*, Joseph Strain (Dumfries Saints), Alex Harley (George Watson’s College), Scott King (Heriot’s)*, Matthew Currie (Merchiston Castle School)*, Tom Jones (Bristol Bears / SGS Filton), Finlay Callaghan (GHK), Nathan Sweeney (Loretto School)*, Harry Paterson (Fettes College), Cameron Furley (Saracens Academy / St Albans School), Jordan Craig (Hamilton Bulls).
2019 U18 Six Nations Festival fixtures
Matchday one – Saturday 13 April
KO Gillman’s Ground, Gloucester 12:10 England v Wales 14:40 Ireland v France 17:10 Scotland v Italy
Matchday two – Wednesday 17 April
KO Sixways Stadium, Worcester 11:10 France v Italy 13:40 Ireland v England 16:10 Wales v Scotland
Matchday three – Sunday 21 April
KO Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester 11:10 Scotland v Ireland 13.40 England v France 16:10 Italy v Wales
