A trio of Stirling rugby stars are set to turn out for Scotland as they go for Six Nations glory.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend named his squad for the traditional winter clashes, which will begin with the visit of Italy to Murrayfield on February 1, before defending champions Ireland head to Edinburgh eight days later.

The highlight of the local contingent is Bridge of Allan star fly-half Finn Russell, who will hope to dazzle in the Scottish backline once again after strong form for English Premiership side Bath in this campaign.

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Russell has also been named as a vice-captain in the squad alongside Glasgow Warriors flanker Rory Darge - with Glasgow centre Sione Tuipulotu once again leading out the Scots.

Former Stirling county second-rower Grant Gilchrist is also named in another Scotland squad and will hope to add to his haul of 74 caps so far which he has picked up in navy blue.

The final local name in the squad is Glasgow prop Jamie Bhatti, another veteran presence from several national squads.

Stirling-born Bhatti will be aiming to get some playing time during the competition and bring up his current cap total from 35.

One of those who might be disappointed to miss out is former Stirling Wolves second-rower Max Williamson, who has missed out due to injury despite appearing in the autumn internationals, with Bordeaux lock Jonny Gray recalled to the squad.