Josh Strauss ruled out of Scotland's Six Nations campaign

Scotland's Six Nations campaign has been dealt a major blow as number eight Josh Strauss has been ruled out of the tournament with a kidney injury.

The 30-year-old suffered the injury during the recently concluded Six Nations encounter against France and is the second major setback for the Dark Blues after skipper Greig Laidlaw was also declared unavailable for the remainder of the tournament with an ankle injury.

The news was confirmed by a statement released by Scottish Rugby Union on Friday.

"After completing the match, he was scanned in Paris. Both the scan, and the player, were reviewed at Spire Murrayfield Hospital back in Scotland, where the full extent of the injury was confirmed.

"Strauss will now return to his club Glasgow Warriors for further care and a review of the injury will be scheduled in approximately six weeks' time."

Laidlaw was replaced in the game against France in the 25th minute and his absence was felt in the clash as Scotland went on to lose 22-16 after trailing by just two points at half-time.

Flankers John Hardie and John Barclay, centre Alex Dunbar and hooker Fraser Brown also sustained head injuries during the game but are expected to return for the match against Wales on 25th February. Scotland are placed fifth in the table with five points from two matches.

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