Scotland lock Gray ruled out of France clash

EDINBURGH (AFP) –

Scotland lock Richie Gray, pictured on February 5, 2011, has been ruled out of his country’s Six Nations clash with France after suffering a hamstring injury during his team’s defeat against Wales on March 9.

Scotland lock Richie Gray has been ruled out of his country’s Six Nations clash with France after suffering a hamstring injury in Saturday’s defeat against Wales.

Sale star Gray was expected to be one of the leading Scottish contenders for a berth in the British and Irish Lions squad to tour Australia later this year.

But Gray will undergo a scan on Monday to determine how long he will be out of action as a result of the injury he sustained during the 28-18 loss at Murrayfield.

The 23-year-old will definitely miss the Scots’ Six Nations finale in Paris on Saturday and could be a doubt for the Lions tour.

“Richie is due to be scanned at Spire Murrayfield hospital tomorrow with a view to a more accurate assessment of the injury he sustained on Saturday,” Scotland team doctor James Robson said.

“At this stage I can confirm he will play no further part in this year’s championship.

“It would be premature to speculate further at the moment. With the expert assistance of Spire tomorrow we’ll have a better understanding then of the degree of injury to the muscle.

“Richie is on crutches at present and is grateful for the good wishes from supporters.”