Scotland have been dealt a big blow ahead of the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup with fly-halves Finn Russell and Adam Hastings both ruled out for the entire tournament.
Gregor Townsend’s side kick off their Autumn Nations Cup campaign against Italy in just ten days’ time but will do so without their two first-choice outside-halves after both were injured in Scotland’s Six Nations win over Wales.
Russell, making his first start in more than a year, suffered a groin injury while his replacement Hastings also could not finish the game as he suffered a dislocated shoulder.
The news means that Worcester fly-half Duncan Weir could be set for a recall to the international fold, having not featured for Scotland in more than four years.
“Finn we hope will be back in time for the Six Nations, but it’s unlikely Adam will be back before the end of that tournament,” head coach Gregor Townsend told BBC Scotland.
“At the very best he’ll come back at the end, but that will depend on how things go.”
After their Autumn Nations Cup opener Scotland host France in Round 2 on November 22, then facing Fiji a week later prior to the final weekend.
Townsend’s side head into the new competition with a spring in their step after their win over Wales which saw them finish only four points off winners England in the standings in fourth.
And the Scotland head coach has previously said that his side will aim to keep the momentum going as they embark on pastures new.
