Tuesday 4 November 2014 16:49, UK
Greig Laidlaw will captain Scotland in Saturday’s Test against Argentina at Murrayfield.
The Gloucester scrum-half will take over the captaincy duties from Grant Gilchrist, 24, who has been ruled out of this month's internationals against the Pumas, New Zealand and Tonga.
Gilchrist was ruled out of the series after fracturing his forearm in Edinburgh Rugby's European Challenge Cup win over Lyon, just four days after being told he was the nation's new on-field leader.
Laidlaw, who skippered Edinburgh for three seasons before departing for Kingsholm in the summer, has led Scotland on seven occasions so far, including head coach Vern Cotter's first matches in charge against the USA and Canada in June.
"I'm delighted to be named the captain as it is always a great honour," said Laidlaw. "I'm looking forward to leading the boys out, and the game against Argentina.
"I feel sorry for Gilcho. He has played well for Edinburgh but has unfortunately broken his arm when his big chance was coming.
"The decision to give him the captaincy in the first place is what it is. Vern choose Gilcho and that is his choice.
"I'm just keen to play for Scotland."
Cotter said: "Obviously we're disappointed for Grant (Gilchrist), who misses the opportunity to captain his country at home on this occasion. However, congratulations must now go to Greig who takes on that responsibility for this Saturday's game.
Greig offers us a bit of continuity, having captained the side on the summer tour. He's been playing well for Gloucester and I think he deserves this selection.
"Greig offers us a bit of continuity, having captained the side on the summer tour. He's been playing well for Gloucester and I think he deserves this selection.
"He offers us a combination of good tactical nous and good leadership. He's got experience, he reads the game and communicates well with his team-mates, so his appointment is due to a combination of factors.
"He's an exceptionally competitive player and everyone respects his desire to win, to drive Scotland forward and perform well."
Cotter also confirmed that 22-times capped Edinburgh Rugby No 8 David Denton has been added to the Scotland squad.
Denton last played for his country against Wales in the Six Nations in March, having missed the summer tour with concussion.
A hamstring injury sustained in pre-season then kept him out of the first seven weeks of the new season before returning to action in his club's win over Lyon in the European Rugby Challenge Cup last month.
