Mixed news for injured Cusiter

Scotland and Glasgow Warriors scrumhalf Chris Cusiter has received mixed news on the severity of his shoulder injury.

The Aberdonian suffered a dislocated shoulder during last Friday’s 28-10 win over Ospreys, and has since been assessed by Miss Julie McBirnie, a shoulder specialist at Spire Murrayfield Hospital.

The positive news is that Cusiter’s injury does not require surgery. He is, however, expected to be unavailable for selection until around mid-December.

Henry Pyrgos will start at scrumhalf in Friday’s PRO12 game against Connacht at Scotstoun Stadium, with Scottish Rugby Elite Development player Sean Kennedy, who was part of the Scotland Sevens squad last season, on the bench.

Fiji international scrumhalf Niko Matawalu has obtained the appropriate visa to complete his move to the Warriors, and is expected to arrive in Glasgow this weekend.

Head coach Gregor Townsend told the club's official website: “Everyone at Glasgow Warriors is disappointed that a quality player like Chris Cusiter is likely to be out of action until around the middle of December.

“It’s encouraging, though, that he doesn’t need surgery, and we know he’s in the best possible hands with our medical team.

“Chris is a tough competitor, and he’ll be working hard to return to fitness and make a significant contribution to our campaign.

“We wish him well with his rehab, and look forward to welcoming Niko Matawalu to the club to supplement our options in the scrumhalf position."

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: "It's disappointing for Chris because he has made such a good start to the season. I wish him a speedy recovery."