Scotland announce Six Nations squad changes as Duhan van der Merwe and others drop out

The most noteworthy are Glasgow Warriors forwards Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings, who started last Saturday’s 50-40 win over France. The duo came off with injuries and as head coach Gregor Townsend envisioned, they are unavailable for the Ireland match.

Lock Cummings has a hamstring issue, while Brown - who can play in the second or back row - has hurt his calf. They are expected to be out for a number of weeks.

Their absence will be felt by Scotland. Both players toured with the British and Irish Lions last summer and Cummings in particular has emerged as a leader in the Scottish pack.

Scotland have also released props Nathan McBeth (ankle) and Elliot Millar Mills (groin), plus fly-half Adam Hastings (shoulder) and winger Duhan van der Merwe (ankle) from the squad and they will play no further part in this year’s Six Nations.

As a result, head coach Gregor Townsend has brought in four players to his 38-man squad. Prop Alec Hepburn, second row Alex Samuel, flanker Euan Ferrie and winger Arron Reed are now all in the mix to be involved at the Aviva Stadium next Saturday. Hepburn, Reed and Ferrie all featured for Scotland A against Italy last month.

Scotland’s injuries have come at an inopportune moment given they could win the Six Nations against the Irish. If they better France’s result over England, Townsend’s men will become the first Scottish side to become champions since the tournament was changed from five to six teams at the turn of the millennium.