HAINING REPLACES INJURED FAGERSON AT NO 8 IN PARIS

Scotland have been forced into a late change ahead of tonight’s Guinness Six Nations match against France in Paris.

No 8 Matt Fagerson, left, has been ruled out with an ankle injury and has been replaced by Edinburgh’s Nick Haining.

Glasgow Warriors forward Ryan Wilson has been called into the squad and included among the substitutes to provide back-row cover.

Fagerson has been an ever-present in the Scotland side in this season’s Six Nations, playing in the wins over England and Italy and the defeats by Wales and Ireland. He did not travel to France and will return to Glasgow to start his recovery.

Wilson will win his 50th Scotland cap if he comes off the bench at the Stade de France. He has not played for Scotland since the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019.

Coach Gregor Townsend said: “Matt suffered an ankle injury in our final training session this week before we headed to Paris. It is disappointing for Matt, who has been playing consistently well throughout the Championship. Nick now has the opportunity from the start to show his abilities in what will be a great challenge for our forward pack.

"We were able to call on Ryan at short notice given Glasgow Warriors had already conducted two Covid tests this week which meant he was safe to travel and join up with the squad. Given Ryan’s Test match experience and his form this season, we believe he will grab his opportunity on his return to the squad. And, if he comes off the bench, he will achieve his 50th cap, which is a significant milestone.”