Scotland lock Richie Gray and scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne have been ruled out of their June tour to Singapore, Australia and Fiji through injury.
Gray arrived in camp from Toulouse last week suffering from an ongoing back complaint and the after effects of a short illness.
Following a review from the Scotland medical team it was deemed best for the player to return to his club for rest, recovery and rehabilitation over the summer period.
Hidalgo-Clyne – recently drafted in to replace captain Greig Laidlaw following his British and Irish Lions call-up – sustained a hamstring tear during national team training at Oriam on Friday (19 May), with a scan at Spire Murrayfield Hospital confirming the extent of the injury and, consequently, his absence from the tour.
Uncapped Edinburgh scrum-half, Sean Kennedy, has been added to the national team squad as a replacement for Hidalgo-Clyne.
It’ll be the second time the 26-year-old has been called into national team camp, following his inclusion in the squad ahead of the 2013 Six Nations before earning senior representative honours for Scotland A in the win over England Saxons at Kingston Park.
No replacement will be made for Gray at this time.
Scotland head coach, Gregor Townsend, said: “Richie has been unable to do much training since the RBS 6 Nations because of his back issues so it became quickly evident he wouldn’t be able to play test match rugby this summer.
“It was valuable having him in camp last week, spending time with the new coaching group, and we wish him well with his recovery and getting back to full fitness for next season.
“We’re all disappointed for Sam who came into camp full of enthusiasm and worked really hard in our first three days together.
“While it’s a blow for him to miss the tour, at least his injury isn’t too serious and he can get back into pre-season with Edinburgh at a later date.
“It’s great that we have been able to call up a quality replacement in Sean Kennedy and we look forward to working with him over the next couple of weeks."
Scotland Summer tour fixtures:
Saturday, June 10: Scotland v Italy – Singapore National Stadium (kick-off 20:00, 13:00 BST)
Saturday, June 17: Australia v Scotland – Allianz Stadium, Sydney (kick-off 15:00, 06:00 BST)
Saturday, June 24: Scotland v Fiji – ANZ Stadium, Suva, Fiji (kick-off 14:30, 03:30 BST)
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