Scotland dealt blow as Hogg is ruled out

By Mark Stevens
14/3/23

Exeter Chiefs star Stuart Hogg has been ruled out of Scotland's final Guinness Six Nations Championship clash with Italy on Saturday.

Hogg - who celebrated winning his 100th Test cap against Ireland on Sunday - was forced from the field during the second half at BT Murrayfield with an ankle injury.

The full-back is joined on the sidelines by fly-half Finn Russell, who has also been ruled out with a knee injury. The duo are returning to their clubs for treatment, with Edinburgh fly-half Charlie Savala called in to the squad to deputise, while Josh Bayliss has returned after being released to play for Bath at the weekend.

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend may now turn to Blair Kinghorn at 10 or hand Munster’s Ben Healy a Six Nations debut.

It also remains to be seen if Richie Gray will be fit for this weekend’s match at Murrayfield. The 33-year-old lock was forced off after just six minutes on Sunday with suspected rib damage but has remained with the squad.

“Stuart Hogg sustained an ankle injury and will be unavailable for this weekend’s match against Italy. He will return to his club in due course for further management of this injury,” a Scottish Rugby statement said. “Finn Russell suffered an injury to one of his knee ligaments. He will return to Racing 92 to continue his rehabilitation. Richie Gray sustained an injury during the Ireland match and will remain with the squad to be continued to be assessed by medics.”