Tuipulotu Injury Dents Scotland's Six Nations Hopes

Scotland's Six Nations title hopes have been dealt a significant blow after captain Sione Tuipulotu was ruled out of the tournament with a pectoral injury.

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has been dealt a devastating blow, being ruled out of the Six Nations tournament due to a chest injury sustained during training with Glasgow Warriors last week. The 27-year-old is set to undergo surgery on his damaged pectoral muscle, which will keep him sidelined for the entirety of the competition.

A statement from Scottish Rugby confirmed the news, stating, “Sione Tuipulotu will miss the tournament after sustaining a pectoral muscle injury during a training session with Glasgow Warriors last week.” The statement also provided an update on Tuipulotu's expected recovery time, saying, “Sione will undergo surgery this week and is expected to return to action before the end of the season.”

In Tuipulotu's absence, Rory Darge and Finn Russell will take on co-captaincy roles as Scotland bids to win the Six Nations title for the first time. The loss of their captain is a significant setback, but the team will be looking to rally behind Darge and Russell's leadership.

Scotland's quest for their first Six Nations title since 1999 has been dealt a significant blow with the injury to captain Sione Tuipulotu. The team's last championship win was in the final Five Nations tournament 24 years ago.

An update to your Scotland squad ahead of the Guinness Men's Six Nations.

Rory Darge and Finn Russell will co-captain Scotland following an injury to Sione Tuipulotu. Scott Cummings will also likely miss the tournament through injury.

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— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) January 20, 2025

Tuipulotu's injury is not only a setback for Scotland but also has implications for the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia later this year. As a leading contender for a starting position at centre, Tuipulotu's absence from the Six Nations will be closely monitored by Lions head coach Andy Farrell. However, there is some positive news, as Tuipulotu is expected to return to action towards the end of the Six Nations campaign.

Following an injury to Sione Tuipulotu, Rory Darge and Finn Russell will co-captain Scotland in this year’s Guinness Six Nations 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 pic.twitter.com/YaK5UcwjoL

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 20, 2025

Tuipulotu has established himself as a dynamic force in Scotland's midfield, scoring three tries in 30 appearances since his debut in 2021. His injury, combined with the loss of lock Scott Cummings to a fractured arm, has reduced Gregor Townsend's Six Nations squad to 36 players. For now, no additional players will be called up to replace the injured duo.

Scotland will begin their Six Nations campaign against Italy in Edinburgh on February 1st, with Rory Darge and Finn Russell set to co-captain the team in Tuipulotu's absence. Despite the setbacks, the team will be looking to make a strong start to the tournament.