Scotland Medical Update

Twelve of the Scotland squad involved in yesterday’s loss to Wales were assessed by the national medical team this morning. The two players who were forced to retire with head knocks – prop Geoff Cross and wing Simon Webster – are the biggest concern ahead of Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship match with France in Paris. Meanwhile, tickets are on sale now for Scotland’s next home match, against Italy, on Saturday 28 February. Scotland team doctor James Robson said: “Simon is fully conscious today as he was last night.  He has had a good night’s sleep and will now be subject to the usual protocol after a head injury. That protocol involves the player being monitored through various degrees of physical activity before being examined by a neurologist and it would be only at that point that he would be given clearance to resume. Dr Robson continued: “Geoff also had a good night’s sleep and will be subject to the same protocol as Simon. He also has strains to both knees.” Other Scotland players received treatment for injuries that Dr Robson described as “significant bumps and bruises.” They were Chris Cusiter (knee), Mike Blair (dead leg), Scott Gray (neck strain), Jim Hamilton (scratch to his eye), Allan Jacobsen (knee sprain), Jason White (calf bruising), John Barclay (neck strain), Graeme Morrison (knee strain), Phil Godman (knee bruising) and Ben Cairns (hip bruising). The Scotland players were doing a post-game pool recovery session today. The Scotland team to play France is scheduled to be announced tomorrow. Meanwhile, Nathan Hines, the Perpignan lock, will be re-assessed later today. A knee injury forced Hines to miss the Welsh match.  Prop Euan Murray, also absent against the Welsh, is continuing to make “slow and steady progress” with his rib injury.Note to editorsTickets are on sale now for Scotland’s next home match in the 2009 RBS 6 Nations Championship, against Italy, on Saturday 28 February (kick-off 3pm).  Some 40,000 tickets have been sold to date for this game. The tickets cost£20,£30 and£60 for adults with under-18s and students’ tickets at£10,£15 and£30. Tickets can be bought online, via the 24-hour hotline on 0871 200 1511; or in person from the Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre at Murrayfield Stadium, open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Please note a fee applies to all card transactions and that no tickets are sold on match day. Our picture shows Simon Webster in action against Canada.