Scots blow as crocked pair hit by summer tour KO
RICHIE GRAY and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne have been ruled out of Scotland’s summer tour through injury.
Lock Gray has been troubled by a back injury as well as illness while Hidalgo-Clyne, a late callup for British and Irish Lions scrum-half Greig Laidlaw, has torn his hamstring.
Hidalgo-Clyne’s fellow Edinburgh scrum-half, Sean Kennedy, has been drafted in by Gregor Townsend for the games against Italy, Australia and Fiji.
Hidalgo-Clyne suffered his injury at training on Friday while Toulouse forward Gray has been troubled by a back problem and was also suffering from the after-effects of illness when he arrived at the Scotland camp.
A Scottish Rugby Union spokesman said: “Follow- ing a review from the Scotland medical team it was deemed best for the Gray to return to his club for rest, recovery and rehabilitation over the summer period.
New Scotland head coach Townsend said: “Richie has been unable to do much training since the RBS 6 Nations because of his back issues so it became quickly evident he wouldn’t be able to play Test match rugby this summer.
“It was valuable having him in camp last week, spending time with the new coaching group, and we wish him well with his recovery and getting back to full fitness for next season.
“We’re all disappointed for Sam who came into camp full of enthusiasm and worked really hard in our first three days together.
“While it’s a blow for him to miss the tour, at least his injury isn’t too serious and he can get back into pre-season with Edinburgh at a l ater date.
“It’s great that we have been able to call up a quality replacement in Sean Kennedy and we look forward to working with him over the next couple of weeks.
“His passing ability and conditioning level will fit in very well with the rugby we aspire to play.”