Scotland has been dealt a major blow ahead of the Six Nations with captain Sione Tuipulotu ruled out of the rugby tournament because of injury.

Scotland have suffered another injury blow ahead of the Six Nations after hooker Dylan Richardson was ruled out of the tournament by Scottish Rugby on Tuesday, a day after they lost captain Sione Tuipulotu.

Scotland hooker Dylan Richardson has been ruled out of the Guinness Six Nations with a shoulder injury. The 26-year-old’s absence was confirmed by Scotland a day after it was announced that both captain Sione Tuipulotu and lock Scott Cummings would be unavailable for the entirety of the Championship as well through injury.

Gregor Townsend says Scotland "have to be able to cope with injuries" after losing captain Sione Tuipulotu for the Six Nations.

Losing captain Sione Tuipulotu to injury is a blow to Scotland’s Six Nations hopes but coach Gregor Townsend believes it will offer the chance for others to make an impact.