The Scotland rugby captain Greig Laidlaw has been ruled out for the rest of the Six Nations.
Greig Laidlaw. Photo: Getty Images
The halfback suffered an ankle injury just before halftime in Scotland's 22-16 loss to France in Paris last weekend.
He left the Stade de France on crutches and was sent back to the Kingsholm Stadium on Tuesday to be assessed by his Gloucester club medics.
The Scotland head coach Vern Cotter has now been given the bad news that Laidlaw will miss the remainder of the tournament.
"The extent of the damage is such that he will take no further part in the current championship," the SRU said in a statement.
"Laidlaw will see a specialist later in the week to determine the best course of management and estimated time out of the sport."
It is a considerable blow for a side who have come to rely on Laidlaw, not only for his leadership skills but also his goal-kicking abilities.
Ali Price took over at nine at the weekend and looks likely to keep the jersey when Scotland welcome Wales to Murrayfield next Saturday.
However, Cotter must now decide who will take over captaincy duties.
Flanker John Barclay took over the armband when Laidlaw limped off against Les Bleus, but was soon himself replaced after suffering a head knock.
Jonny Gray became the Scots' third skipper of the day when Barclay was replaced and has long been tipped as a future national team captain.
Scotland, who beat Ireland 27-22 in their first game, face Wales at Murrayfield in the third round on Feb. 25.
