Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the Six Nations due to a pectoral muscle injury sustained in training last week.
The 27-year-old, who took over as captain in November, suffered the injury during a session with Glasgow Warriors. A statement confirmed that Tuipulotu will undergo surgery this week and is expected to return before the end of the season.
The injury also raises doubts about his availability for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia later this year, though a late-season return remains possible.
Tuipulotu, capped 30 times since his 2021 debut, has been key in Scotland’s midfield alongside Huw Jones. His absence will be keenly felt as Scotland aim to improve on last year’s performance in the tournament.
Head coach Gregor Townsend has named flanker Rory Darge and fly-half Finn Russell as co-captains to lead the team in Tuipulotu’s absence.
Scotland will also be without lock Scott Cummings, who fractured his arm during Glasgow’s match against Harlequins. No replacements will be called up, leaving Townsend’s squad at 36 players.
Scotland open their Six Nations campaign against Italy at Murrayfield on February 1, facing an uphill battle without two key players.