Cumbrians Gary Graham, Chris Harris and Will Addison have all earned selection, ahead of the start of the Six Nations.

Former Carlisle Rugby Club duo Harris and Graham have been selected in Scotland’s 39-man squad, while Penrith-born Addison has been named in the Ireland set-up for their opening-round fixtures.

Stirling-born Graham, once of Harraby, is one of seven uncapped players named by head coach Gregor Townsend.

Graham’s Newcastle Falcons team-mate, Carlisle-born Harris, who qualifies for the Scots through his grandmother, is also named in the squad as he looks to add to the six international caps he has won already.

"There’s certainly been a lot of improvement from this group of players in recent seasons and I believe there’s much more to come," Scotland head coach Townsend told Scottish Rugby.

"They’ve a genuine desire to get better and reach their potential in what is a huge year for our sport.

"In the past 18 months, we’ve played 18 Test matches and have introduced 18 new players to Test-level rugby. Once again, our squad features players aiming to take that step, which is a testimony to their performances this season and the growing strength in depth of Scottish rugby."

Townsend added: "It’s a privilege for our players to be involved in the Guinness Six Nations, which is such a prestigious tournament and will be highly competitive once again.

"We look forward to taking on the challenge of Italy and working hard as a squad over the next two weeks to deliver a winning performance."

Meanwhile Addison, of King's Meaburn, who broke into the Ireland set-up last year, has been included in their 38-man squad for the opening two rounds of the Six Nations. His mum is from County Fermanagh.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt told Irish Rugby: "It's been great to watch the provincial teams doing so well in recent weeks.

"With another very competitive round of EPCR this weekend, the following Ireland squad for the first two matches of the Six Nations has been selected, knowing that late changes may be required, depending on how the matches go in the weekend.

"There have been a number of tight calls across almost every position."