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Russell scare escalates as new flyhalf among six players added to squad
By Ian Cameron
Star Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell might not be out of the woods yet following his injury scare, with flyhalf Duncan Weir among six players drafted into the Scotland squad.
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Head Coach Gregor Townsend added the six players to the Scotland squad ahead of this Saturday’s round three Guinness Six Nations Test against France in Paris.
Russell – on Racing 92 duty -left the field during yesterday’s Top 14 clash with Toulouse, needing a HIA.
The SRU say the pivot is now ‘subject to return to play protocols’, casting doubt on his availability for the match with France.
“Worcester Warriors stand-off Duncan Weir is joined by Edinburgh trio Magnus Bradbury (back-row), Dougie Fife (wing) and James Johnstone (centre), and Glasgow Warriors front-row forwards Zander Fagerson (tighthead prop) and George Turner (hooker),” reads a statement from the union.
“The group replaces injured Glasgow Warriors pair George Horne (shoulder) and Stafford McDowall (ankle), as well as front-row forwards David Cherry, Murray McCallum (both Edinburgh) and Jake Kerr (Leicester Tigers).
“Finn Russell sustained a head injury during Racing 92’s TOP 14 clash with Toulouse in Paris yesterday and was withdrawn from play. He is now subject to further monitoring and the graduated return to play protocol.”
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Meanwhile, news of Stuart Hogg’s injury also remains unclear.
“Full-back Stuart Hogg will not join the squad in the camp this week as he is not being considered for this Saturday’s game against France, following the shoulder injury he sustained against Ireland in the second round of the championship at BT Murrayfield.
“He remains under the joint care of the Glasgow Warriors and Scotland medical teams, with his rehabilitation progress and review ongoing.”
It had been suggested the full-back would miss the remainder of the championship, but his shoulder problem could now clear in time for the final round Calcutta Cup match versus England. Hogg is rated as an “outside bet” to be available.
