Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has confirmed Hamish Watson will miss the rest of the World Cup due to a knee injury. The 27-year-old started Sunday’s defeat to Ireland in Japan, but he fell awkwardly after being cleared from a ruck.
Watson left the field on a stretcher just before the interval and scans have now revealed that the damage is severe enough for him to miss the rest of the tournament. The flanker will now be replaced by Edinburgh team-mate Magnus Bradbury – and he can train straight away after being on standby in Japan.
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Confirming the news, Townsend told reporters: “While there is a high probability of picking up injuries during a World Cup, it’s always disappointing to see someone having to head home. “We feel for Hamish, who had worked so hard for this opportunity.” Townsend was without Jamie Ritchie for Sunday’s 27-3 Pool A defeat, but he is expected to return against Samoa on Monday after recovering from a facial injury.
