Gregor Townsend insists there is still some hope that Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg will be able to return from his shoulder injury during this year’s Guinness Six Nations.
Hogg went off with a shoulder problem in the first half of Scotland’s Championship defeat to Ireland in Round Two last Saturday at BT Murrayfield.
Hogg, a two-time Player of the Championship in 2016 and 2017, will see a specialist on Wednesday to asses the extent of the damage.
“We’ll know more about his chances of playing over the next few weeks after that,” Townsend said.
In Hogg’s absence, Blair Kinghorn came off the bench to step in at full-back for the Scots and impressed.
The youngster grabbed a hat-trick in week one against Italy from the left wing but plays his club rugby for Edinburgh predominantly at full-back.
And with Scotland heading to Paris in ten days’ time looking to end 20 years of hurt in the French capital in the Championship, Townsend is pleased about the options at his disposal.
“Blair obviously had a great game against Italy,” Townsend said. “He backed that up with his first touch as he got through the Ireland defence on Saturday and was heavily involved in the second half.
“We’ve got good strength and depth in the back three. Tommy Seymour and Sean Maitland have both played at full-back and are both very experienced players.
“I believe Byron McGuigan is back for his club this week, so if Stuart is missing – and I really hope that’s not the case – then we do have other players who are in really good form.”
