LONDON – Scotland forward Richie Gray has been ruled out of the Six Nations opener against Wales at the weekend with a calf injury, Scottish Rugby said Monday.
The 64-times capped Toulouse lock will remain in France this week to have treatment and Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend hopes to have him back for the later stages of the tournament.
“Richie wasn't involved in the autumn or the summer tour so it's a situation we have been able to handle in the past,” said assistant coach Mike Blair.
“Obviously he is a quality player and a guy we're really keen to see back and how he fits in -- but he also needs to get himself right. There's no point having him here if he's not 100 per cent.
“When will he be back? Sooner rather than later but we can't put an exact time on it right now.”
Scotland Rugby posted the news on social media on Monday:
BREAKING | Richie Gray has been ruled out of Scotland’s NatWest 6 Nations opener v Wales. The 64-times capped Toulouse lock will remain in France this week rehabilitating his calf in the hope of joining the squad in the near future. pic.twitter.com/4WFRBHQEV9
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) January 29, 2018