Early injury problems for Scotland

NEWS: Scotland not only have to relyon a new scrumhalf, the side will also be without lock Richie Gray for the November Test Series.

According to reports scrumhalf, Greig Laidlaw will not be released by Clermont Auvergne for Scotland’s fixture against Wales in Cardiff on November 3.

Laidlaw, who has captained Scotland in 31 of his 63 caps, has informed Gregor Townsend that he will miss the Welsh game, which is outside the international release window but is available for the remaining November tests with Fiji, South Africa and Argentina.

With Finn Russell now playing at Racing 92 in Paris, it means Scotland look certain to face Wales without their first choice halfbacks who have played 29 tests together.

In Laidlaw's absence, Townsend must decide between the Glasgow Warriors pair of George Horne and Ali Price, Edinburgh’ Henry Pyrgos and Scarlets Sam Hidalgo-Cline for the No.9 jersey in Cardiff.

Laidlaw, who has scored 623 points for Scotland, has helped Clermont first place in the Top14 in France and guided the team to a thumping 41-20 European Challenge Cup win over Northampton.

He said: "I spoke to Gregor and it looks like I will join up with Scotland for the second game. It is part of the contract in France and there are international windows and Clermont have been good to me during my injury last season and it is important I have a good relationship with them as well.

"It is important not to push too hard on one game and I respect their decision and if they want me to play, then first and foremost, I will play for Clermont,"

While, Toulouse and Scotland suffered a blow with news that lock Richie Gray needs a back operation that will rule him out for "around four months".

Gray, capped 65 times by Scotland, will miss the November Tests and also at least the start of the Six Nations next year.

The 29-year-old, who previously went under the knife for a back injury in summer 2017, has only played 60 minutes of rugby this season, against Agen on October 6.

Toulouse coach Ugo Mola also confirmed that the Top 14 club and France would be without winger Yoann Huget (meniscus) for up to three weeks.

Rugbypass & AFP

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