Jon Welsh has been ruled out of the RBS 6 Nations after breaking his hand in the act of scoring his debut try against Wales on Sunday.
The Glasgow Warriors prop is one of four new injuries as a result of the bruising 26-23 defeat to the Welsh, but is the only one so far ruled out of the next game against Italy at BT Murrayfield on February 28.
Welsh suffered a fracture to his hand in the crush as he scored Scotland’s second try after coming on as a replacement – his first try in four internationals. “Jon will require surgery later in the week and he is expected to be unavailable for the remainder of the RBS 6 Nations championship,” said an SRU spokesman.
Welsh’s Glasgow and Scotland team-mate Gordon Reid may also be in doubt for the remainder of the championship after lasting just three minutes as a replacement for Alasdair Dickinson on Sunday.
Reid was carted from the field after suffering a blow to the head and also strained his knee as a result of the incident. Although free of concussion symptoms, the loose-head prop will undergo the standard protocols for the condition before being allowed to return to training.
The former Ayr prop will also have his knee scanned to determine the extent of possible rehabilitation for that injury, and seems unlikely to make the Italian game.
Two further Scots suffered injuries with Richie Gray also recieving a scan on his upper right arm after being taken off, and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne also showed signs of a delayed concussion after the completion of the game and will undergo the necessary protocols.
Scotland players are remaining in camp durring the bye week as they step up preparations for the visit of the Italians.