Scotland suffer major World Cup blow
SQUAD UPDATE: Scotland have been dealt a major blow after key flank Hamish Watson was ruled out of the rest of their World Cup campaign with a knee injury.
The 27-year-old open-side twisted awkwardly at a ruck and was forced off three minutes before half-time in Sunday’s 3-27 defeat by Ireland in Yokohama.
A post-match scan confirmed he will be unable to play any further part in the tournament.
Fellow Edinburgh loose forward Magnus Bradbury, who is already in Japan after flying out with the squad as precautionary injury cover for Jamie Ritchie, will replace Watson in the squad.
Head coach Gregor Townsend said: “While there is a high probability of picking up injuries during a World Cup, it is always disappointing to see someone have to head home.
“We feel for Hamish who had worked so hard for this opportunity and we wish well in his recovery.”
Bradbury, 24, was not selected for the original 31-man squad but still featured in their final warm-up Test against Georgia.
Ritchie, meanwhile, is back in full training after recovering from a broken cheekbone and is likely to start at open-side in Scotland’s next Pool A fixture against Samoa on Monday, 30 September.
Source: @rugbyworldcup
