Sione Tuipulotu will miss the Six Nations through injury (Image: PA Images)
have been dealt a significant setback as it has emerged that their captain Sione Tuipulotu will miss the entire Guinness due to a chest injury.
The Glasgow Warriors star is set to undergo surgery on a damaged pectoral muscle and won’t return to action until later in the season.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old remains the favourite for the number 12 jersey for the British and Irish Lions’ summer tour of Australia.
In another blow, lock Scott Cummings may also be out for the entirety of the Six Nations after fracturing his arm during Glasgow’s 24-7 defeat by Harlequins.
A return date has not yet been confirmed, leaving his participation in the Championship, which begins against Italy at Murrayfield on February 1, uncertain.
With Tuipulotu out of action, Rory Darge and Finn Russell will co-captain Scotland, reprising the roles they held in last year’s Six Nations.
Despite his injury, Tuipulotu’s influence on the team remains strong, having led the team throughout the autumn and retaining leadership duties for the Championship before his injury.
“Sione Tuipulotu will miss the Six Nations after sustaining a pectoral muscle injury during a training session with Glasgow Warriors last week,” Scottish Rugby announced.
Don’t miss…
Scott Cummings is also an injury doubt (Image: Getty)
“Sione will undergo surgery this week and is expected to return to action before the end of the season.
“Scott Cummings sustained an arm fracture during Glasgow Warriors’ match against Harlequins at the weekend.
“He is also likely to miss the tournament and will undergo further review to determine when he will be fit to return. There will be no additions to the squad at this point.”