Andy Robinson’s options for the Six Nations have taken a significant blow with Scotland prop Moray Low being ruled out for eight weeks with ligament damage.
The Elgin-born tighthead is essential cover for the front row given first-choice Euan Murray’s refusal to play on Sundays for faith reasons, but damaged his medial cruciate in Glasgow’s loss to the Llanelli Scarlets on Saturday.
Low was third choice and the only member of the World Cup squad not to see game time in New Zealand, but his improved form he scored tries in the last two games for the Warriors had him touted as Murray’s replacement for Scotland’s two Sunday games in the Six Nations, against Wales and France.
After being assessed by a specialist, Low will be re-evaluated next month but the expectation is he will miss a minimum of two months.
Warriors head coach Sean Lineen said: ”This is clearly very disappointing news for Moray. He’s an ambitious player who is extremely keen to achieve success with both Glasgow and Scotland, and the injury has come at a very unfortunate time.”
He added: ”He’s a tough character, however, and I know he’ll work hard to bounce back strongly. In terms of his rehab, he’ll be in great hands with the medical and physio team we have here at the Warriors.”
Robinson did get some relief with news that his most recent first-choice flyhalf, Ruaridh Jackson, is not expected to miss time after coming off in the first half at Scarlets.
Jackson was substituted when he experienced pain in his upper leg after kicking a penalty.
The 23-year-old Aberdonian has already missed several weeks of the season since sustaining a hamstring strain during Scotland’s last match in New Zealand against England.
However, Jackson has been assessed and a medical report stated ”no long-term issues are anticipated”.
The report said: ”Ruaridh has reacted well to treatment since Saturday’s game and the Warriors’ medical team are happy with his progress. He will continue to be monitored closely in the lead-in to our Heineken Cup matches and, from Scotland’s perspective, for the Six Nations.”
Scotland head coach Robinson said: ”We all wish Moray a speedy recovery. As far as Ruaridh is concerned we will be keeping a close eye on him before the players come into camp with us at St Andrews later this month.”
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