Edinburgh hooker Stuart McInally has been called up into the Rugby World Cup 2023 squad to replace David Cherry.
To ensure a full front-row complement McInally, who is playing in his second Rugby World Cup and could be in line for a 50th cap if selected, joined the Scotland squad today (Thursday).
McInally was already in the country but separated from the squad after he was put on standby when a concussion was sustained by fellow hooker Ewan Ashman last week.
Cherry suffered a concussion after an accident in the team hotel earlier this week and is now following the current return-to-play protocols. This means he is unavailable for at least the next 12 days.
The decision was therefore taken to end his tournament involvement on medical grounds after he injured his head on Monday, slipping on hotel stairs, on a team day off.
“I’m hugely disappointed to be leaving the squad with concussion. I’ve loved my time in camp over the summer and gaining my first World Cup cap on Sunday against South Africa. I want to wish the team all the best for the remainder of the competition.”
Dave Cherry
Ashman is continuing his own return-to-play protocols but is currently on track to be available for selection next week.