Scotland centre Taylor doubtful for World Cup after knee surgery

Duncan Taylor, the Scotland centre, is a doubt for next year’s World Cup in Japan after undergoing surgery on a knee injury that will sideline him for the entire season.

Taylor, who missed the majority of last season with a concussion injury, is now expected to be unavailable until June, leaving him no opportunity of competitive rugby to press his claims for a place in Gregor Townsend’s World Cup squad.

Taylor was playing in Saracens Storm’s Premiership Rugby Shield match against Exeter Braves last week when he sustained an injury to his posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments.

Last season, he was sidelined from January to April after experiencing concussion symptoms, making just six appearances for the club in total. Taylor won the last of his 21 caps against Fiji in June 2017.

“He’s obviously had a poor year, injury-wise, the year before and it’s cruel for one of the most popular players in the squad,” said Mark Mccall, the Saracens director of rugby.

“It’s just one of those things. We just need to support him as best as we can.

“He’s done his ACL, his PCL, he did everything, really. He got operated on yesterday.

“All things being equal, he’ll be back in June, which gives him time. I’m sure he’ll be in contention [for Scotland].”

George Kruis, the England lock who missed the tour of South Africa to undergo surgery on an ankle injury, is to make his first appearance of the season for Saracens against Northampton on Saturday.