Finn Russell gives Scotland another Six Nations scare as Bath fly-half sent for HIA assessment
Finn Russell gave Scotland another scare ahead of the Six Nations when he was sent for a head injury assessment during Bath's 47-21 defeat to Leinster on Saturday.
The fly-half suffered a head knock during a collision in the 14th minute of the match and was removed from the field to be checked over by the pitchside doctor. There would have been Scottish hearts in mouths as the talismanic figure spent around 10 minutes going through the various protocols to determine whether he was fit to return to action.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdConcussions in professional rugby require a mandatory seven to 12-day rest period but, depending on the severity, can keep players out for several weeks with no training permitted until symptom-free. However, there was relief all round when Russell was waved back onto the pitch after passing his inspection although he was unable to lead his side to victory in the Champions Cup clash.


Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is facing a pre-Six Nations sweat over a number of his key stars ahead of the tournament opener against Italy at Murrayfield a week on Saturday. There is particular worry around the fitness of captain Sione Tuipulotu, who has suffered a pectoral injury, with Glasgow head coach Franco Smith hinting that – but refusing to confirm – he fears a lengthy spell on the sidelines for the centre. The 27-year-old played no part in Saturday’s Champions Cup defeat at Harlequins, although his club were adamant he was always due to be rested for the match at the Stoop regardless of injury.
Asked for an update on Tuipulotu immediately after the game, Smith said: “He had an assessment this morning (Saturday). I don’t know the extent of it yet. I know that the feedback around the player will be given tonight and tomorrow. As we have been involved down here [in London for the Quins match], I haven’t heard the final assessment yet. I think he might have injured his pec. It was a freakish injury. It was just something that happened. We weren’t suspicious about it, we just wanted to make sure it was nothing serious. But we will have more clarity tomorrow.”


Townsend spoke on Wednesday about how much of an impact injuries to key players could have on the prospects of the respective teams in what he expects to be a tightly-contested Six Nations. And the Scotland head coach was given further cause for concern on Saturday night when another member of his regular starting XV went off injured in Glasgow’s match at the the Stoop, with second-rower Scott Cummings sustaining a forearm injury. The lock was taken to a hospital for scans, with clarity expected on Sunday. “We hope and pray that it is not that serious,” said Smith.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBath centre Cam Redpath, Glasgow duo Max Williamson and Kyle Steyn, plus Edinburgh pair Adam Hastings and Ben Muncaster all missed out on Townsend’s initial 37-man squad for the Six Nations due to injury.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.