A SALTCOATS-born rugby star will be making his debut Six Nations appearance at Murrayfield today.

But George Biagi won’t be lining up for Scotland – he will be pulling on an Azzurri blue Italy jersey and hoping for an Italian win.

George’s great-grandfather came to Scotland from Italy in the late 1800s and his parents Michael and Rosanna were well known business people in Saltcoats owning an ice cream factory, the Garden Grill and the Aberlour pub.

Six foot six giant lock forward George, 28, began his playing career at Fettes College, continuing in Milan, when he moved there to study economics, and he eventually became a professional rugby player with Aironi.

When the Italian rugby federation scrapped the team, he joined Bristol for a season, but returned to Italy to join his current side Zebre.

It won’t be the first time George has run out on to the hallowed Murryafield turf, but it will be his debut as an international player.

Speaking from a training camp in Rome George told the Herald: “I’m obviously thrilled by the chance to play in Murrayfield.

“Although I’ve already played at Murrayfield with Zebre, I’m conscious that on a Six Nations day the atmosphere will be totally different.

“I know it will be a tough game for Italy as Scotland are playing pretty well in this Championship and they are able to challenge any team in the world on their home ground.” His father Michael, who is now retired in Italy, has flown in specially for George’s Six Nations debut.

He said: “I’m delighted for George because I know how hard you’ve got to work to play any sport at the top level – I take my hat off to the boy because I know there is a queue waiting to get a place.

“Whenever Scotland and Italy play I’m going to come away happy. If it’s a great game for Italy – perfect. If it’s a great game for Scotland – even better!

“But to be honest the result doesn’t matter to me – I just hope for a good game on the day. That’s important to me not the final result.

Michael wouldn’t be drawn in the possible outcome. He said: “That’s a mystery. If anybody could make a prediction it wouldn’t be me. I just hope for an outstanding game.”