Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw out of Six Nations
Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw has been ruled out for the rest of the RBS 6 Nations, the Scottish Rugby Union have announced.
The Gloucester scrum-half suffered an ankle injury just before half-time as the Dark Blues lost 22-16 to France in Paris in Saturday.
He left the Stade de France on crutches and was sent back to the Kingsholm Stadium on Monday to be assessed by his club medics.
Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw picked up an ankle injury during the defeat by France in Paris
The scrum-half walked off the field at the Stade de France after damaging his foot in a tackle
The 31-year-old returned from the changing room with a protective boot on his right leg
But Scots head coach Vern Cotter has now been given the bad news that Laidlaw will miss the remainder of the tournament.
It is a considerable blow for a side who have come to rely on Laidlaw, not only for his leadership skills but also his goal-kicking abilities.
Ali Price took over at nine at the weekend and looks likely to keep the jersey when Scotland welcome Wales to Murrayfield on February 25.
Stuart Hogg flings the ball around as Scotland stars train in Edinburgh on Wednesday
Vern Cotter is looking for a new leader after his captain was ruled out of the tournament
Tim Swinson (right) is put through his paces after his try-scoring display at the Stade de France
However, Cotter must now decide who will take over the captaincy duties.
The Scotland coach oversaw training on Wednesday at The Oriam training facilities at Heriot Watt University, looking to detect signs of leadership among his stars.
Flanker John Barclay took over the armband when Laidlaw limped off against Les Bleus in France, but was soon himself replaced after suffering a head knock.
Jonny Gray became the Scots' third skipper of the day when Barclay was replaced and has long been tipped as a future national team captain.