A TRIO of Borders players are set start for Scotland Under 20s on Friday in the opening game of the Six Nations Championship against Ireland Under 20s.

Hawick’s Darcy Graham is set to start at full-back, with Ross McCann from Melrose and Robbie Nairn of Harlequins occupying the wings.

Hawick hooker Fraser Renwick has also been selected by Head Coach Sean Lineen in the starting 15.

Of the 23-man squad named, 16 players are products of the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy and eight have previous experience of playing international rugby at U20 level.

Lineen, said: “A lot of players have made a statement during the preparation camps and their hard work and effort has merited a spot in the side for Friday’s Championship opener.

“A lot of those involved this week are new to the international stage, but they have the quality to compete and we have no doubt they will rise to the occasion.

“Ireland are going to be physical and astute, and we’ll have to be at the top of our game to match them in all facets. However, we’re going to relish in the challenge and we look forward to doing so in front of our home support.”

The match at Broadwood Stadium kicks off at 8.30pm.

Scotland Under 20s

15. Darcy Graham (Hawick)

14. Robbie Nairn (Harlequins)

13. Craig Pringle (Stirling County)

12. Cameron Hutchison (Currie)

11. Ross McCann (Melrose)

10. Josh Henderson (Glasgow Hawks)

9. Andrew Simmers (Heriot’s)

1. George Thornton (Bishop Burton College)

2. Fraser Renwick (Hawick)

3. Adam Nicol (Stirling County)

4. Alex Craig (Gloucester)

5. Callum Hunter-Hill (Stirling County)

6. Luke Crosbie (Currie)

7. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Hawks)

8. Tom Dodd (Worcester Warriors)

Replacements 16. Robbie Smith (Ayr) 17. Daniel Winning (Boroughmuir) 18. Fergus Bradbury (Stirling County) 19. Hamish Bain (Currie) 20. Jamie Ure (Boroughmuir) 21. Bruce Flockhart (Glasgow Hawks) 22. Charlie Shiel (Currie) 23. Stafford McDowall (Ayr)