Massive Blow For Scotland As Potential Lion Set To Miss Entire Six Nations
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Scotland prop WP Nel has been ruled out of the Six Nations campaign because of a neck injury.
Nel, 30, had been included in head coach Vern Cotter’s 37-man squad for the upcoming championship. However, a scan revealed that the Edinburgh tight-head damaged an intervertebral disc in his neck during a Challenge Cup tie against Harlequins.
The Scots open their campaign at home to Ireland on 4 February before travelling to France eight days later. Nel, who has won 15 caps, will be assessed to decide whether he requires corrective surgery, Scottish Rugby said.
South Africa-born Nel joined Edinburgh in 2012 and qualifies to play for Scotland on residency rules.
The tighthead has long been touted as a potential Lions this summer, but this latest news will no doubt dent his chances.