Scotland will be without key locks Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings for their critical Six Nations match against Ireland. The Scottish Rugby Union confirmed the absences on Monday, alongside six other injured players.
Brown and Cummings, who started in Scotland's recent wins against England and France, both sustained injuries during Saturday's victory over France. Cummings suffered a hamstring issue, while Brown picked up a calf problem. Both have returned to their respective clubs for further assessment.
Coach Gregor Townsend has called up uncapped lock Euan Ferrie and Alex Samuel, who has no Six Nations experience, to bolster the second-row options. Wing Arron Reed and prop Alec Hepburn have also been added to the squad.
Scotland, currently tied on points with France, needs a significant win against England and a favorable result in the Ireland match to contend for the title. Ireland, with 14 points, must defeat Scotland in Dublin and hope England beats France.