Fullback Hogg returns for Scotland’s Six Nations opener

Veteran fullback Stuart Hogg has recovered from injury to take his place in Scotland’s Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham.

Hogg will win his 97th cap on Saturday despite having missed matches at club level over the last weeks.

The 30-year-old, who had a heel injury, was named in an experienced line-up by coach Gregor Townsend on Thursday as Scotland bid to retain the Calcutta Cup.

Blindside flanker Jamie Ritchie leads the team in the Six Nations for the first time, having replaced Hogg as captain last year, and is joined at openside by Luke Crosbie, whose excellent recent form is rewarded with a second start for Scotland.

Pierre Schoeman starts at loosehead prop for a 17th consecutive international since his 2021 debut, but the rest of the front row is changed from the side that beat Argentina 52-29 at Murrayfield in November in Scotland’s last Test, with WP Nel returning at tighthead and George Turner at hooker.

Ben White has been chosen ahead of Ali Price to partner stand-off Finn Russell while Huw Jones takes Chris Harris’ place at centre. Kyle Steyn is in for Darcy Graham on the wing.

Townsend has selected a bench with a 5-3 split between forwards and backs.

SCOTLAND SQUAD TO FACE ENGLAND:

Stuart Hogg, Kyle Steyn, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Finn Russell, Ben White, Matt Fagerson, Luke Crosbie, Jamie Ritchie (capt), Grant Gilchrist, Richie Gray, WP Nel, George Turner, Pierre Schoeman. Replacements: Fraser Brown, Jamie Bhatti, Simon Berghan, Jonny Gray, Jack Dempsey, George Horne, Blair Kinghorn, Chris Harris.