SCOTTISH rugby fans have waited in anticipation for the return of the beloved Six Nations tournament.

The annual event sees six national teams from across Europe (England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy) battle it out to claim the sought-after cash prize and title.

With only hours to go before Scotland faces off against Italy in its opening match, here is everything you need to know.

How to watch Scotland's opening Six Nations match against Italy

Scotland will play against Italy on Saturday, February 1 at 2:15pm.

Those looking to watch the game from the comfort of their own homes can do so by tuning into BBC One or BBC iPlayer.

See Scotland's Six Nations squad this year

According to Scottish Rugby, this will be Scotland's squad for The Guinness Six Nations tournament. This list includes each player's team and number of caps.

Forwards (22)

• Ewan Ashman – Edinburgh Rugby (22)

• Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby (10)

• Jamie Bhatti – Glasgow Warriors (35)

• Gregor Brown – Glasgow Warriors (4)

• Dave Cherry – Edinburgh Rugby (11)

• Luke Crosbie – Edinburgh Rugby (12)

• Scott Cummings – Glasgow Warriors (42)

• Rory Darge – Vice-Captain – Glasgow Warriors (25)

• Jack Dempsey – Glasgow Warriors (22)

• Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (50)

• Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (70)

• Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby (75)

• Jonny Gray – Bordeaux Bègles (77)

• Patrick Harrison – Edinburgh Rugby (3)

• Will Hurd – Leicester Tigers (4)

• Jack Mann – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)

• D’Arcy Rae – Edinburgh Rugby (2)

• Dylan Richardson – The Sharks (6)

• Jamie Ritchie – Edinburgh Rugby (54)

• Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby (37)

• Rory Sutherland – Glasgow Warriors (37)

• Marshall Sykes – Edinburgh Rugby (1)

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Backs (15)

• Fergus Burke – Saracens (uncapped)

• Matt Currie – Edinburgh Rugby (4)

• Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors (9)

• Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby (42)

• George Horne – Glasgow Warriors (34)

• Rory Hutchinson – Northampton Saints (8)

• Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors (53)

• Tom Jordan – Glasgow Warriors (3)

• Blair Kinghorn – Toulouse (55)

• Stafford McDowall – Glasgow Warriors (8)

• Finn Russell –  Vice-Captain – Bath Rugby (82)

• Kyle Rowe – Glasgow Warriors (9)

• Sione Tuipulotu – Captain – Glasgow Warriors (30)

• Duhan van der Merwe – Edinburgh Rugby (44)

• Ben White – Toulon (24)

The Guinness Six Nations tournament will begin on Friday, January 31 when France and Wales clash.