Injury rules Mark Bennett out of Scotland's clash against Italy

Glasgow Warriors centre Mark Bennett will miss Scotland's final Six Nations encounter against Italy next weekend with arm and knee injuries.

The 24-year-old suffered the blow during the recently concluded clash against England which Vern Cotter's men lost 61-21 at Twickenham on Saturday. Bennett came off the bench in the 17th minute replacing Stuart Hogg but left the field in the 21st minute with the injuries.

Meanwhile, Hogg along with Tommy Seymour and Ryan Wilson suffered head injuries in the 17th, 44th and 61st minute respectively and will now have to undergo return to play protocol before returning for the game against Azzurris.

Scotland already have a number of their first picks including skipper Greig Laidlaw, Alasdair Dickinson, WP Nel, Josh Strauss and John Hardie ruled out of the tournament while Finn Russell, Huw Jones and Richie Gray are also under injury cloud.

A statement released by Scottish Rugby Union confirmed the injuries to the players.

"Finn Russell, Huw Jones (both knee) and Richie Gray (hamstring) will also have precautionary scans at Spire Murrayfield Hospital early in the week following musculoskeletal complaints the morning after the match.

"Replacement back Mark Bennett - who replaced injured full-back Stuart Hogg in the 18th minute - left the field after four minutes with a knee and arm injury.

"He will be subject to further care and assessment, however it is expected that he will take no further part in the current RBS 6 Nations Championship.

"Three players are being treated for concussion (Hogg, Tommy Seymour and Ryan Wilson) and are now subject to the completion of the HIA protocol."

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