Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the Six Nations Championship after being hurt in training last week

The pectoral muscle injury, which needs to be operated on, also puts in jeopardy the 27-year-old's chances of touring Australia with the British & Irish Lions in mid-year.

Born in Frankston, Victoria, Tuipulotu lived in Australia until he was 22, playing for the Melbourne Rebels and representing the Junior Wallabies

Having qualified for Scotland through his grandmother the Glasgow Warriors' centre was first capped in 2021 and took over as captain in November.

"Sione will undergo surgery this week and is expected to return to action before the end of the season," a statement from Scottish Rugby said.

With Tuipulotu out Rory Darge and Finn Russell have been named as co-captains for the Six Nations campaign.

Scott Cummings' participation is in doubt after he broke his arm early on in Glasgow Warriors' defeat by Harlequins in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.

Australian Associated Press