Monday 29 January 2018 13:40, UK
British and Irish Lion Richie Gray will miss Scotland's Six Nations opener against Wales on Saturday due to a calf injury.
The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) have confirmed Gray, who has been capped 64 times, will remain with his club Toulouse this week to continue rehabilitation in the hope he will be able to join up with the national squad later in the tournament.
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend had been hopeful that Gray, who has only recently returned from a long-term back injury, would be available this weekend but the SRU tweeted the bad news on Monday lunchtime.
The 28-year-old lock had already missed Scotland's three-day training camp last week and must now wait before adding to his 65 caps, the last of which he won in March 2017 against England in Six Nations.
"Richie wasn't involved in the autumn or the summer tour so it's a situation we have been able to handle in the past," said assistant coach Mike Blair.
"Obviously he is a quality player and a guy we're really keen to see back and how he fits in -- but he also needs to get himself right. There's no point having him here if he's not 100 per cent.
"When will he be back? Sooner rather than later but we can't put an exact time on it right now."
Scotland and Townsend will now wait to see if Gray recovers in time to take on Ireland at Murrayfield on Sunday February 11 in the second-round of matches.
