SCOTLAND captain Sione Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the Six Nations after suffering a chest injury in training.

The 27-year-old centre, who qualifies for the national team through his Greenock-born grandmother, is to undergo surgery on a pectoral muscle which was damaged during a Glasgow Warriors training session last week.

He was set to lead Gregor Townsend’s side in this year’s tournament, having captained Scotland for the first time against Fiji at Murrayfield in November last year.

(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA) In a statement issued this afternoon, Scottish Rugby said: “Following an injury to Sione Tuipulotu, Rory Darge and Finn Russell will co-captain Scotland in this year’s Guinness Six Nations.

“Darge and Russell led the side in the 2024 championship, in a famous victory over Wales and the 30-21 win over England at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

“Sione will undergo surgery this week and is expected to return to action before the end of the season."

Scott Cummings is also likely to miss the tournament after sustaining an arm fracture during Glasgow Warriors’ match against Harlequins last weekend.

Scottish Rugby added: “There will be no additions to the squad at this point.”