Scotland face ‘nervous wait’ with Sione Tuipulotu in doubt for the 2025 Six Nations

Jared Wright
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu and an insert of head coach Gregor Townsend.

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu and an insert of head coach Gregor Townsend.

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu could miss the 2025 Six Nations through injury.

After captaining Scotland for the first time in November, Tuipulotu was confirmed as skipper for the side as Gregor Townsend named his training squad for the Championship.

Sione Tuipulotu in doubt

However, his involvement in the tournament has been cast in doubt after he sustained an injury in training for the Glasgow Warriors ahead of their Investec Champions Cup clash against Harlequins.

The inside centre was a notable absentee from Franco Smith’s team for the clash against the Premiership side, with Stafford McDowall named in the number 12 jersey.

According to a report by BBC Sport, Tuipulotu has ‘suffered an upper body problem this week’ and is being assessed with Townsend facing a nervous wait.

The report adds that the captain will miss part, or even all, of the Six Nations campaign in what would be a hammer blow to Scotland’s chances.

Not only has he thrived with the captaincy but Tuipulotu has been in unreal for of late and has been tipped by many to be the starting inside centre for the British and Irish Lions in July.

Brian O’Driscoll picks his British and Irish Lions 13 to play alongside nailed on Scotland star Sione Tuipulotu

If Tuipulotu is to miss any of the Six Nations, Finn Russell and Rory Darge are likely to captain the side during the Championship after being named as the vice-captains.

Rory Hutchinson and McDowall will likely fill the void in the centre position inside of Huw Jones with Cameron Redpath sidelined.

The injury could also open the door for New Zealand-born Fergus Burke to make his debut.

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Scotland’s schedule

While the Saracens star has played most at fly-half for Bath since his arrival from the Crusaders, he has played in the number 12 jersey several times in Super Rugby.

Scotland kick off their Six Nations campaign against Italy at Murrayfield on February 1.

That will be followed by another home game versus defending champions Ireland before heading to Allianz Stadium for a meeting with England.

Townsend’s men then return home to tackle Wales before completing their campaign at the Stade de France on March 15.

READ MORE: Six Nations squads: All the men’s teams named for the 2025 Championship