Scotland flanker Hamish Watson has been ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup in Japan through injury.
The 27-year-old suffered a knee injury just before half-time in his side’s disappointing 27-3 defeat to Ireland on Sunday and after having a scan on the damage it has revealed the worst.
Head coach Gregor Townsend is disappointed that Watson has been so unfortunate and hopes he will be back in action soon.
“While there is a high probability of picking up injuries during a World Cup, it’s always disappointing to see someone having to head home. We feel for Hamish who had worked so hard for this opportunity and wish him well in his recovery,” he said.
So far there is no set return date for Watson, but it looks as though he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
With Watson out, Scotland have called up his Edinburgh teammate Magnus Bradbury in to replace him in the 31-man squad.
Bradbury is already in Japan, having flown over with the original squad as cover for fellow back-rower Jamie Ritchie after he had picked up a facial injury, before being cleared and travelling over.
The back-row remained in Japan to help prepare the rest of the squad but has now been announced as an official member.
However, the loss of a player as powerful as Watson is a massive blow for Scotland as they try to recover from their opening game defeat. They will look to bounce-back from that result when they face Samoa next Monday ahead of clashes with Russia and a possible all or nothing test against hosts Japan.
