Scotland lock Richie Gray's hopes of making the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia are in the balance after it was revealed he'll be sidelined for eight weeks with a hamstring injury.
Gray was stretchered off during the 28-18 loss against Wales on Saturday and tests on the injury on Monday showed he won't be back in action before May, meaning he will be absent for Scotland's final Six Nations match against France in Paris on Saturday.
"Richie underwent a scan at Spire Murrayfield Hospital this afternoon which confirmed the presence of a grade two tear of one of his hamstring muscles," said Scotland doctor, James Robson.
"The normal period of rehabilitation from injuries of this nature is in the region of eight weeks.
"We have kept his club medical team at Sale Sharks fully appraised of Richie's situation and he will now commence his recovery with his club with a view to playing before the end of the season."
Comments
Spartacus says...
porridge_time - you are absolutely right. The Scottish players would get more game time and more experience bypassing the Lions and going to SA.
The players that do get in the squad will never get picked - does anyone really think that Gatland would pick Hogg over Halfpenny. Waste of time Hogg going, and same goes for Brown, Hamilton etc. Not looking forward to this Lions tour - it will be pants!
Posted 10:14 13th March 2013
porridge_time says...
chubbylugs says...
So what your saying is that a grunter should not display any signs of ball handling skills? He does more than his fair share in the set piece and loose. Personally I go with the what 'rugby_rockstar' says. His form is not the best at the moment, but that can be attributed to being at Sale. Maybe a move elsewhere in the close season would be more beneficial to him.
Posted 00:41 13th March 2013
porridge_time says...
Overrated...my a**e. Personally I've no passion for the Lions so could not careless how many Scots are picked for the Lions.
As a Scots fan I'd like to see this current squad plus some more of the younger guys head to South Africa in the summer as this would benefit Scotland more in the long run.
Posted 00:24 13th March 2013
honestpom says...
Awesome player and for me this injury makes no difference re the Lions. I'd take him and partner him in the test 15 along with Parling. He is the sort of player who at present would markedly improve during a Lions tour, growing in confidence and thriving in a new atmosphere. Hamilton blows hot and cold and struggles to last 80 minutes.
Posted 18:25 12th March 2013
melkdave says...
Sad news for Grey and Scotland ,and possibly the lions.He was certinally a contender for a seat on the plane,as his form this 6Ns has been good.Possible replacement for Scotland is Gilchrist or Ryder,both have done well this season in the Pro12 and A leval .As for the lions still think it will be Parling-Launchbury-Lawes ,but now with eitherAWJ or D.Ryan /I.Evans.From this 6Ns so far its looking like the majority of players will be english and welsh
Posted 16:36 12th March 2013
pierredelot1 says...
As an Englishman I've been watching this guy since he dominated the Under 21 scene a couple of years back. Anyone who thinks he's overated must be blind. He's hardly out of short pants yet so just watch out, he's going to get better, injury permitting he'll be around for a lot longer yet. Sure he didn't start well at Sale, but a new club new regime it takes a while to settle down and experience is one thing he's short of. But for Scotland he's put in a good shift everytime he's been out on the park this season. People say Lawes ais still developing so give the guy some slack
Posted 14:10 12th March 2013
chubbylugs says...
i stick by my comments. he's far too loose to be a serious second row. he is a very good lineout operater, but when you put comments like he has a decent dummy, it kind of sums up my thoughts. i like my front five to be front five players, not wannabe centres.
Posted 13:45 12th March 2013
Spartacus says...
massively overated player?!??! Other than Hogg, I have not heard anyone say anything positive about any Scotland players this year, despite some stand out performances from some, including Gray (even though he hasnt been at his very best). Not sure who the better locks are, but I know that in Lions terms the Scots get overlooked every time.
Posted 13:10 12th March 2013
scot_rsa says...
@chubbylugs - yeah, a guy who makes the scottish lineout the best in the 6 Nations, a force in the scrum, speed all over the park, a fearless tackler, good hands and a decent dummy. You're right as usual, he's clearly overrated because he's Scottish. Hadn't noticed his hair myself.
Posted 12:08 12th March 2013
5Lock4ward says...
This surely nails down a Lions seat for Jim Hamilton and possibly re-opens the door for Courtney Lawes. That said if I'm Nathan Hines right now I'm getting in touch w/ Scotland's coaching staff and making myself available for France.
Posted 11:44 12th March 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
I don't think he's playing well enough to make the lions tour.
I think calling him overated is a bit harsh though. When he burst onto the scene he was like a taller Joe Launchbury. I think his form went down hill after he signed for Sale Sharks, because Sale a just a mess at the momnet and its tough for any player to thrive in that environment.
Posted 11:38 12th March 2013
chubbylugs says...
massively overated player in my opinion. if he didnt have bonnie tyler hair, he wouldnt get noticed nearly as much as he does
Posted 11:04 12th March 2013
Spartacus says...
Real shame, but not sure whether Gatland would pick him.
Posted 09:28 12th March 2013