George Horne handed rare Scotland start against Italy

The 28-year-old has been given the nod to wear the number nine jersey for the first time since the 2019 World Cup.

George Horne is set for his first Scotland start since 2019 (Jane Barlow/PA)

Scrum-half George Horne has been handed a surprise start for Scotland’s Guinness Six Nations showdown with Italy in Rome on Saturday, with Gregor Townsend making three changes to his starting XV.

The 28-year-old Glasgow back has been given the nod to wear the number nine jersey for the first time since the 2019 World Cup. Regular starter Ben White is rested and drops out of the squad altogether, with Ali Price – who has played no part in the tournament – promoted to the bench.