Key Scotland player in contention for Six Nations match with France after injury

The powerful No 8 sustained a bicep injury in the Calcutta Cup win over England on February 14 and subsequently missed the 26-23 victory over Wales seven days later.

However, Dempsey has been deemed fit enough to train with the Scotland squad this week and will aim to put his hand up for selection when France visit Murrayfield on Saturday.

Capped 31 times by Scotland, Dempsey is seen as one of the nation’s first-choice forwards due to his physicality and powerful ball-carrying. The 31-year-old Glasgow Warriors back-rower was replaced by his clubmate Matt Fagerson at No 8 for the match against Wales, while Edinburgh Rugby’s Magnus Bradbury is also vying for selection. He was named man of the match in the capital side’s 24-19 URC triumph over Scarlets last Friday evening.

Scotland have also bolstered their front-row options with two other players from Glasgow Warriors. Tighthead prop Murphy Walker, capped six times, has been drafted in alongside Scotland Under-20s hooker Seb Stephen, who has yet to win full honours for his country.

Hooker has been a problematic position for Scotland during the Six Nations, with Ewan Ashman, George Turner and Dave Cherry all playing a part in the opening three matches. Ashman started the tournament as the first choice at No 2, but did not play especially well in the 18-15 defeat by Italy and is also nursing a neck injury.

A player update from Scottish Rugby read: “Jack Dempsey sustained a bicep injury during the victory against England but has returned to the squad and will continue to be monitored by the medical team ahead of the final two fixtures.

“Murphy Walker last played for Scotland during November’s Quilter Nations Series in the 85-0 win over USA and joins fellow Glasgow Warriors clubmate Seb Stephen who is also called up to the squad. Stephen started for the Warriors over the weekend, with the 20-year-old featuring for the club in their wins over Toulouse and Saracens this season.”

Head coach Gregor Townsend will name his team to play France on Thursday. Scotland are second in the Six Nations standings on 11 points, four behind the French, who top the table after winning all their matches with a bonus point.