Alexander Masibaka called up to Scotland squad for Six Nations opener

Australian-born Alexander Masibaka is one of five players called up to the Scotland squad ahead of this weekend’s Six Nations opener.

French-based back-row forward Masibaka has taken the place of Josh Bayliss, who suffered a groin injury while playing for Bath against Sale. Bayliss will remain with his club for further assessment of the damage.

Euan Ferrie, Cameron Henderson, Ewan Johnson and Ollie Smith have also joined up with the squad ahead of the visit of Italy to Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday.

Masibaka has been called up after impressing in the French second tier with Soyaux-Angouleme, where he is on loan from Montpellier.

The 23-year-old former Western Force player qualifies for Scotland through his Paisley-born mother.

Versatile back Smith returns to the squad less than 24 hours after making his first Glasgow appearance for 407 days, in Sunday’s narrow win over Connacht. Smith’s comeback had been for a Scotland A side against Chile in late November.

Ferrie is uncapped but the 23-year-old Glasgow forward has previously trained with Gregor Townsend’s squad.

Henderson made his debut for Scotland in 2023 against Italy before suffering a knee injury later that year. The 25-year-old lock has earned a recall with some consistent displays for Leicester.

Oyonnax second-row forward Johnson won his first four caps last year and also featured against Chile in November.