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Jamie Ritchie: “When you play for Scotland, you don’t play with a number on your back”

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Scotland’s Guinness Men's Six Nations title ambitions begin at home to Italy

Scotland’s 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations campaign kicks off in Edinburgh with a round one clash against a tough Italian side at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

It’s a fixture rich with intrigue, as Gregor Townsend’s men aim to build momentum towards a tournament-long objective: their first Six Nations Championship since 1999.

This fixture marks a full-circle moment, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Italy joining the Championship and its evolution into the 'Six Nations'. It also recalls Italy's historic first victory in their maiden Championship, which came against none other than Scotland on 5th February 2000.

The Scots enter the Championship with a renewed sense of belief, buoyed by strong performances in the recent Autumn Nations Series and a squad packed with talent. For many, including hooker Ewan Ashman, this is as good a chance as Scotland has ever had to contend at the highest level.

When asked if Scottish Rugby ever been in such a strong position to compete for the title, Ashman reflected. “I don’t think so. The confidence and belief is really high around camp. We are buzzing for this one.”

Ashman, known for his try-scoring exploits from the maul, credited the pack for his success but emphasised the distinctiveness of Scotland’s style of play. “Our brand of rugby, the anthem, Murrayfield, the bagpipes, and the whole culture - it’s all part of what makes playing for Scotland so special. On the field, we pride ourselves on being brave, with a backline that’s not afraid to play.”

Championship goals and challenges

The ambition for the squad, as captain Jamie Ritchie noted, is clear: “Do I believe we have the ability to win the Championship? Yes. Doing it is difficult, but we have to approach it and try to win it as best we can.”

With over 50 caps to his name, Ritchie’s experience in navigating the Six Nations is crucial for Scotland’s hopes. “Every game is its own challenge, and you have to take it one week at a time. Momentum is key, and the only thing you can control is your performance each week.”

Momentum starts against an Italian side that has shown significant improvement in recent years. Scrum-half Ben White, a key figure in linking forwards and backs, acknowledged the importance of executing a well-balanced attack. “My role is to ensure we play fast and capitalise on opportunities while being smart with game management. We’ve worked on adapting quickly to changes - turning tight games in our favour will be critical.”

White emphasised Scotland’s blend of physicality and flair as a hallmark of their identity. “We like to have an expansive game but can draw on the physical element as well. One thing Scottish Rugby does well is combining the two, creating an unpredictable attack.”

A squad inspired by history

Scotland’s current generation draws inspiration from the past while forging their own legacy. Ashman fondly recalled moments like the 2018 win over England, while Ritchie reminisced about the Calcutta Cup triumph in 2006 as a young fan and Scotland’s memorable away victory against France in 2021.

For the players, representing Scotland in the Six Nations is as much about the passion of the supporters as the on-field battles. “We are a nation that cares a lot about our rugby team,” Ritchie said. “We punch above our weight, and when you play for Scotland, you play for the whole country. There’s a responsibility in that, and it’s something we all take pride in.”

The Six Nations journey

Scotland’s path to a Six Nations title is as challenging as ever, with clashes against powerhouses like France, Ireland, and England on the horizon. Yet, there is an unmistakable sense of optimism within the camp.

As White summarised, the goal is not just to compete but to thrive. “We know we have a huge first game at Murrayfield. If we can cross that hurdle, then we move into the next one. Building momentum is everything.”

For a nation starved of Six Nations success for over two decades, the 2025 Championship represents a tantalising opportunity. If Scotland can combine their flair, grit, and newfound belief, they might just write the next great chapter in their rugby history.