Jonny Gray: Scotland second-row set to miss the rest of Six Nations

Scotland and Exeter Chiefs second-row Jonny Gray is unlikely to feature again for his country during this season’s Six Nations Championship.

Exeter‘s director of rugby Rob Baxter confirmed the news following his side’s 15-14 victory over Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership on Sunday.

Gray, along with international colleague Stuart Hogg, both missed the trip to Kingston Park, but fellow Scot Sam Skinner played the entire 80 minutes as the Chiefs moved up to fifth in the standings.

Out of France Test

Both Skinner and Hogg will report into camp with Scotland on Monday ahead of their upcoming Six Nations clash with France at Murrayfield on Saturday, but Gray will remain back in Devon as part of his rehabilitation on the injured ankle.

“It is likely to be the length of the Six Nations – not too much longer than that and obviously he is disappointed,” Baxter said. “He has had an injury hit period over the last nine months or so and it (ankle) will get better in seven or eight weeks.

“It is like a bad ankle sprain and it doesn’t require an operation just rehab. There is some thought that the last Six Nations game might be within reach, but I think that is tough.”

Meanwhile, uncapped Glasgow Warriors second-row Kiran McDonald replaces Gray in Scotland’s squad for the clash with Les Bleus and the 27-year-old is one of six players added to head coach Gregor Townsend’s group.

James Lang, Ollie Smith, Oli Kebble, Simon Berghan and Marshall Sykes have also been called up.

Rory Sutherland, Javan Sebastian, Scott Cummings and Cam Redpath have, like Gray, all returned to their clubs due to injury issues.

Townsend has challenged the newly-added players to capitalise on their opportunity to impress.

“While it is disappointing to lose players to injury ahead of the France match, this is a great opportunity for the new players to impress and force their way into our matchday squad,” he said.

“The attritional nature of the Guinness Six Nations means there are often changes made to the squad throughout the championship and it is a challenge we are much better equipped to deal with given our current squad depth.

“We wish those that have missed out through injury all the best in their rehabilitation, and we will continue to monitor their progress ahead of the final two games of the championship.”

There is some good news for Townsend on the injury front, however, as Josh Bayliss, who missed the opening two matches against England and Wales with concussion, scored a try on his return to action for Bath at the weekend and will be available for selection against the French.

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