Big blow for Scotland as forward faces ban

Scotland will be without Grant Gilchrist for their opening Six Nations fixture against Wales after the Edinburgh second-row was handed a one-week suspension.

The 33-year-old lock was banned following an independent disciplinary hearing arising from his club side’s Challenge Cup round four fixture away to Scarlets.

Gilchrist was given his marching orders by referee Sara Cox in the 72nd minute after a second yellow card for dangerous tackles, his first was on 36 minutes.

Will miss Wales match

The second-rower’s suspension means he will therefore not be available for Scotland‘s trip to Cardiff on Saturday, February 3, albeit there is scope to appeal.

Edinburgh released a statement on the decision on Thursday which read: “An independent judicial officer, Gareth Graham (England), who conducted the case on a papers only basis, found that Gilchrist had committed two similar offences in that he made two dangerous tackles that both warranted yellow cards.

“The judicial officer decided that an appropriate sanction entry point for the offending was one week, however, despite the player’s acceptance of the charge and his full co-operation with the disciplinary process, mitigation could not be applied in this instance as any period of suspension has to be rounded up to a whole number of weeks.

“A suspension of one week was therefore imposed and as Gilchrist would have been considered for selection for Scotland’s Guinness Six Nations match against Wales on Saturday 3 February, he is free to play on Monday 5 February.

“Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.”

The news comes after fly-half Adam Hastings and prop Will Hurd were withdrawn from Scotland’s squad due to injury on Tuesday, with Elliot Millar-Mills added.

Coaching trio re-sign

Meanwhile, Gilchrist’s club Edinburgh have today announced that assistant coaches Stevie Lawrie, Michael Todd and Rob Chrystie have signed new two-year deals.

The coaching trio’s extensions, which take them to June 2026, align with head coach Sean Everitt, whose new two-year contract was confirmed earlier this month.

“I’m absolutely delighted to see our assistant coaches join me in extending terms with Edinburgh for another two years,” said Everitt.

“The support I’ve received from all three guys since joining the club has been brilliant. They’ve made me feel welcome from the second I walked in the door.

“They are all excellent coaches who continue to grow and develop in their own areas. Their drive to succeed and attention to detail is second to none, while they all care passionately about the success of this club moving forward.