Scotland's McGuigan ruled out of France clash, Italy retain Goosen

Scotland's Byron McGuigan scores a try against Australia in November. Photo: Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough

Scotland's Byron McGuigan scores a try against Australia in November. Photo: Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough

Published Feb 6, 2018

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EDINBURGH - Scotland wing Byron McGuigan has been ruled out of this Sunday's Six Nations clash against France at Murrayfield with a hamstring injury, Scottish Rugby has said.

McGuigan, 28, sustained the injury in the second half of Saturday's 34-7 loss to Wales in Cardiff on Saturday and has returned to his club, Sale Sharks, for rehabilitation.

Scotland also confirmed lock Richie Gray (calf) and centre Duncan Taylor (head) have not recovered sufficiently to join the squad ahead of the clash against the French. They could play later in the championship.

Scotland have been hit by injuries going into the Six Nations but were still expected to make a good start to their Six Nations campaign after showing strong form in their November internationals, including beating Australia 53-24.

Meamwhile, Marius Goosen will remain as Italy defensive coach until June 30, 2020 "giving continuity to the relationship started in the summer of 2016," the Italian rugby federation announced on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old South African -- director of rugby at Italian Pro14 franchise Treviso -- has been part of the national setup since the arrival of Irishman Conor O'Shea as head coach in March 2016.

"I'm happy to be able to continue working with the federation and with Italy, the country that welcomed me fifteen years ago, and to continue the growth path started in the last year and a half, with the arrival of Conor in Italy," said former wing Goosen who arrived in Italy to play for club side Roma in 2004, before playing for Treviso.

"We still have a long way to go to be more competitive, but the collaboration between the National team and the two franchises has never been so profitable.

"I thank the Federation and Conor for allowing me to continue my experience with the national team until after the Rugby World Cup 2019, which is the first medium-long term goal of this group."

Goosen also lined up for the Bulls, Stormers and Falcons in South Africa during his playing career.

Italy continue their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin next Saturday, followed by France and Wales, before a finale against Scotland back in Rome on March 17.

Reuters/AFP

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