RORY Darge has been named as Scotland’s co-captain alongside Finn Russell ahead of the Guinness Six Nations.

Both players have captained Scotland in the last 12 months, with Darge leading his country to victory over Italy last summer and Russell taking on the mantle in a memorable comeback victory over France at Scottish Gas Murrayfield just days later.

Glasgow Warriors flanker Darge made his debut for Scotland in 2022 against Wales and has gone on to make 15 appearances for his country.

The former North Berwick High School pupil spoke of his pride at being given the armband.

He said: “I enjoyed captaining the team last summer and immediately felt proud when Gregor told me the news.

“To co-captain your country is a tremendous honour and to do it alongside a guy like Finn, who is respected across the game and such a talented player, will be great for me.

“Everyone in our leadership group plays a vital role and we all have strengths that will take the team forward.

“This year’s Guinness Six Nations represents a chance for us to continue to progress as a group and everyone is looking forward to that first game against Wales.”

Scotland finished last year’s tournament in third behind France and winners Ireland.

Darge, of Aberlady, missed last year’s competition having suffered a serious ankle injury in September of the previous year.

The 23-year-old was named in the squad for the remaining two games – against Ireland and Italy – but did not take the field.

He was named in Gregor Townsend’s squad for this year’s Six Nations, which gets under way next Saturday (February 3) when Scotland face Wales at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, alongside Musselburgh-born Huw Jones.