# Scotland
Last week
29th January 2023 - 4th February 2023
# Mack the Man
Tattoos, family, and self-doubt: Mack Hansen is Ireland's wildcard
Heading into his second Six Nations campaign, Hansen has taken some key lessons on board.
# Ready to go
Scotland unveil side for England clash at Twickenham
WP Nel, the 36-year-old Edinburgh prop, takes over from Fagerson in the number three jersey.
Last month
January 2023
# rugby weekly extra
'You do look at it with a different lens when it's an Irish player'
John Cooney qualifies for Scotland next month and has spoken to Gregor Townsend.
# indyref2
Majority of Scottish people in favour of independence, poll finds
Research for The National found 54% in favour of independence when ‘don’t knows’ were excluded.
# suspended
Scotland wing McLean suspended after pleading guilty to domestic abuse charges
The 22-year-old Glasgow player faced charges at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday.
# Call-up
Ben Healy named in Scotland's Six Nations squad
Munster out-half qualifies through his grandmother.
# gender reform bill
Explainer: Why is the UK government trying to block a Scottish gender reform Bill?
An attempt to block the Bill under a never before used order has been branded a ‘nuclear option’.
# gender reform bill
UK government to block Scotland's proposed gender reform bill
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier today warned London against any bid to block the law.
# Scotland
SNP could fight next Holyrood election as de facto independence referendum
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there is a ‘cast-iron democratic mandate for a referendum’.
# preparation
Ireland's RWC opponents Scotland announce four warm-up Tests
The Scots play World Cup hosts France twice ahead of the tournament as well as facing Italy and Georgia.
# bolter
Hastings injury could open Six Nations door for Ben Healy
Scotland will take on Ireland at Murrayfield on 12 March.
# scotsman
Lure of Test rugby sees ambitious Healy agree Munster exit for Scotland
Munster are understood to be closing in on the re-signing of Jake Flannery from Ulster.
# UK
Investigation launched after three people and dog die in hotel fire in Scotland
Emergency services were called to the New County Hotel in Perth just after 5am this morning.
# RIP
Former Celtic and Scotland striker Frank McGarvey dies aged 66
McGarvey was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2022.
Last year
2022
# Craig Gordon
Scotland number one Gordon out for rest of season with double leg break
Hearts have confirmed the nature of the player’s injury.
# Scotland
Scottish policitians pass gender reforms but UK Government threatens block
The Bill was passed after lengthy debate at the Scottish parliament, by 86 votes to 39.
# Zander Fagerson
Another key Scotland player emerges as Six Nations injury doubt
Zander Fagerson suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Glasgow recently.
# Lockerbie
Man accused of Lockerbie bombing charged in US court
The man allegedly worked as an intelligence operative for the regime of Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi between 1973 and 2011.
# third conspirator
Man accused of being Lockerbie bombmaker in US custody
The alleged ‘third conspirator’ in the downing of Pan Am flight 103 is now in the custody of the US.
# Decision time
John Cooney considering switch to Scotland
The Ireland and Ulster scrum-half could make the move in line with World Rugby’s new eligibility rules.
# Scotland
Scottish independence hit a setback today, what happens next?
Nicola Sturgeon has said that the SNP will “launch and mobilise a major campaign in defence of Scottish democracy”.
# Referendum
UK's highest court rules Scottish Parliament cannot hold Indyref2 without Westminster consent
The UK government has repeatedly refused to give Edinburgh the power to hold a referendum.
# flying finn
Recalled Russell stars as Scotland hammer ill-disciplined Argentina
Darcy Graham scored a hat-trick in a 52-29 win for Gregor Townsend’s side.
# international
Scotland slip to defeat in Turkey, Germany beat Oman in low-key World Cup warm-up
ScotlandJohn McGinn gave the Scots hope of securing a draw.
# Callum Hunter Hill
Saracens lock gets Scotland call-up for Argentina game
Hamish Watson and Rory Sutherland have withdrawn from the squad through injury.
# Reaction
Gregor Townsend frustrated as Scotland pass up rare chance to beat New Zealand
The hosts were 24-13 up heading into the final quarter before the All Blacks fought back.
# Comeback
Scotland recall Finn Russell and Telea to make debut for the All Blacks
Scotland have yet to defeat New Zealand in more than a hundred years of trying.
# Squad News
Scotland boss disappointed as Celtic refuse to release players for friendly
The Hoops are taking part in a tournament in Australia during the World Cup break.
# Scotland
Rangers beat Aberdeen to lift some pressure off boss van Bronckhorst
Connor Barron drove the visitors ahead in the 21st minute at Ibrox.
# Olive Branch
'Door open' for axed out-half Russell says Scotland coach Townsend
Blair Kinghorn starts at 10 for Scotland against the Wallabies who welcome back star player Michael Hooper.
# Whangārei
Nine-try New Zealand crush Scotland at Rugby World Cup
The result ensures they will be top qualifiers for the quarter-finals.
# Boys in Green
Ireland captain Balbirnie celebrates ‘pretty special’ achievement at T20 World Cup
The victory over Scotland means Ireland meet the West Indies with the winner going through to the next round.
# Cricket
Dockrell insists Ireland will be well prepared for T20 World Cup clash against Scotland
The Scots stunned the West Indies in their opener, while Ireland were well beaten by Zimbabwe.
# Comeback
Australia launch second-half rally to defeat Scotland as England survive France scare
Australia bounced back in the second half, with tries from Bienne Terita and Ashley Marsters.
# statement
Ireland squad apologise for any offence caused by song in World Cup celebrations
Ver Pauw’s side secured a historic qualification with last night’s 1-0 win over Scotland.
# Report
History in Hampden as Ireland clinch qualification for 2023 World Cup
Amber Barrett was the goal-scoring hero against Scotland, sending Ireland to their first-ever major tournament.
# Where It All Began
'She had a massive impact on the Scottish women's game' - Pauw returns to old stomping ground
The Ireland manager’s first international job was at Hampden Park, while there are several other Irish links to the Scots.
# Scottish Independence
Supreme Court hearing on Scottish independence referendum plans to begin
A panel of five judges will start hearing evidence from the Scottish Government.
# Preview
'Realistic' Ireland ready for the biggest game in their history in World Cup play-off
It’s do or die for Vera Pauw’s side against Scotland tonight.
# Showtime
'If we succeed, it would change lives' - Pauw on Ireland's World Cup dream
Ireland face Scotland in an historic play-off showdown at Hampden Park tomorrow night.
