Scotland have named uncapped fly-half Fergus Burke in their enlarged 37-man squad for the Six Nations.

New Zealand-born Burke could have represented the All Blacks or England but has been named in Gregor Townsend’s squad after impressing since his move to Saracens last year.

"I chatted to Fergus before he signed for Saracens. We've known about his Scottish heritage for two or three years," said Townsend, who is preparing to lead Scotland into an eighth championship.

"He was in consideration in November, but we didn't feel his game at that time got him into our squad. He's playing better and better the more he plays.

"There is an opening in our squad so we felt it was the right time for him. He's someone that really understands the game from an attacking perspective.

"He's a very good defender. And also, he can play full-back. We saw with Tom Jordan in November, having that flexibility to play full-back was a bonus for us."

Glasgow Warriors’ Jack Mann is the other uncapped player in the squad after a strong run of form in the absence of Jack Dempsey, who is fit to be named in the squad.

The experienced Jonny Gray also returns to the squad after missing the autumn Tests to focus on his form for Bordeaux following a long-term knee injury.

Dave Cherry is also recalled for the first time since the 2023 World Cup after being concussed while falling down the stairs.

There is no place for Max Williamson or Adam Hastings as they continue to recover from injury, but Kyle Stern could play a part in later games despite being initially absent due to a knee issue.

Scotland begin their Six Nations campaign against Italy on February 1.

Scotland's Six Nations squad:

Forwards: Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow), Gregor Brown (Glasgow), Dave Cherry (Edinburgh), Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh), Scott Cummings (Glasgow), Rory Darge (Glasgow), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray (Bordeaux), Patrick Harrison (Edinburgh), Will Hurd (Leicester), Jack Mann (Glasgow), D'Arcy Rae (Edinburgh), Dylan Richardson (Sharks), Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Rory Sutherland (Glasgow), Marshall Sykes (Edinburgh).

Backs: Fergus Burke (Saracens), Matt Currie (Edinburgh), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), George Horne (Glasgow), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton), Huw Jones (Glasgow), Tom Jordan (Glasgow), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford McDowall (Glasgow), Finn Russell (Bath), Kyle Rowe (Glasgow), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (Toulon).