Stuart Hogg is in it to win it – and wouldn’t have things any other way.
The Scotland full-back heads into the 2019 Guinness Six Nations with Gregor Townsend’s troops looking to taste glory in Rugby’s Greatest Championship for the first time since 1999.
Hogg, who was named back-to-back Player of the Championship in 2016 and 2017, believes his team – whose 2019 campaign will include three matches on home soil – should have every confidence that they can reign supreme this spring.
“If you are not saying you are going to win the Guinness Six Nations, then what’s the point of being here?” the 26-year-old told reporters at a press conference this week.
“We truly believe we can do it. We are excited about the challenges that are coming our way.
“We have huge opportunities with three games at BT Murrayfield. Every single game, we are going into looking to win.
“If I was to sit here and say we are not going to win the Six Nations, that would be wrong.
“I think we are on the right path to achieve something incredibly special.
“We have been working really, really hard over the last few years to get to where we are and we truly believe we can win the Six Nations.”
Hogg and co have the opportunity to make the most of home advantage early on in the 2019 Guinness Six Nations, with two consecutive home games at BT Murrayfield.
The first of those sees Italy travel to Edinburgh in Round 1 on Saturday (kick-off 2.15pm GMT) and despite his optimistic pre-Championship mood, Hogg is wary of the challenge presented by the Azzurri.
“They are a fantastic team, who will come to Murrayfield and really make it difficult for us,” said the Scotland star.
“Attack-wise, we have got to make the most of every opportunity and defence-wise, shut them down at the earliest possible stage.
“Look, everybody is excited. We know there is a lot of hard work to be done still but we are ready to rock and roll.”
