Scotland Rugby: Captain Sione Tuipulotu Out of Six Nations with Injury

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the Six Nations with a pectoral muscle injury, the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has announced.

Tuipulotu picked up the injury during a training session with Glasgow Warriors last week and will undergo surgery this week.

The 28-year-old is expected to return to action before the end of the season, but his participation in the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia this summer is now in doubt.

“Obviously very disappointed for Sione,” said SRU chief executive Mark Dodson. “He has been a fantastic captain for Scotland over the last 12 months and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Tuipulotu took over as Scotland captain ahead of last year’s November internationals and led the side in four matches in the 2024 Six Nations championship.

He will be replaced by Rory Darge and Finn Russell, who have been named as co-captains for the tournament, which starts at Murrayfield against Italy on 1 February.

“Rory and Finn have both been excellent leaders for us over the last few years and I have no doubt they will do a great job leading the team during the Six Nations,” said Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.

Townsend has also been dealt a blow with the news that hooker Scott Cummings is likely to miss the tournament with an arm fracture.

Cummings sustained the injury early on in Glasgow Warriors’ defeat by Harlequins in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.

“Scott is a big loss for us,” said Townsend. “He has been in great form for us this season and is an important part of our squad.”

The SRU said that Cummings will undergo further review to determine when he will be fit to return.

Townsend plans no additions to his squad at this stage, but has named a 37-man training squad which includes uncapped Edinburgh back-rower Jamie Ritchie.

The 23-year-old Ritchie has been in excellent form for Edinburgh this season and is one of a number of young players who have been pushing for selection.

“Jamie has been outstanding for Edinburgh this season and we are excited to give him the opportunity to train with the squad,” said Townsend.

Scotland will face Italy, France, Ireland and Wales in the Six Nations and are aiming to improve on their fourth-place finish last year.