Scots lose Welsh for rest of season

Scotland paid a dear price for their bravery at the weekend, a 23-26 loss to Wales at Murrayfield – with three players set to miss their next match.

Prop Jon Welsh sustained a fracture to his hand and the 28-year-old will require surgery later in the week.

The Glasgow Warriors forward now misses out on upcoming clashes with Italy in Edinburgh on February 28 as well as a Twickenham date with England on March 14 – before Scotland close out their campaign against Ireland one week later.

Scotland also have other injury problems – with scrumhalf Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and prop Gordon Reid picking up head injuries and facing a race against time to be ready for the Italy match.  

Reid, who also strained his knee, is 'symptom free' from his head knock.

"However, given the mechanism of his injury, it is being treated as a concussion, requiring him to undergo the mandatory graduated return to play protocol," Scotland said in a statement.

His knee is being scanned at Spire Murrayfield Hospital on Monday.

The outcome will determine the length of rehabilitation, in addition to the recovery from his head knock.

Richie Gray sustained an injury to his upper arm and will also be scanned at Spire Murrayfield Hospital on Monday. An update will follow later in the week.

Hidalgo-Clyne finished the game. However, he developed mild symptoms of a possible delayed concussion and will be treated as such.

A number of other players have required treatment on Monday and will be monitored by both the Scotland, and respective club medical teams.

* Meanwhile flyhalf Finn Russell was also cited for a dangerous tackle – for which the player was yellow-carded – in the 30th minute of the loss to Wales.

The player's hearing, before a Six Nations disciplinary committee will be held later this week.