Six Nations 2019: Scotland's Finn Russell undergoes concussion protocol

Six Nations Championship: France v Scotland
Venue: Stade de France, Paris Date: Saturday, 23 February Kick-off: 14:15 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC One, BBC Radio Scotland & BBC Sport website

Finn Russell has been confirmed as a doubt with a head knock for Scotland's Six Nations trip to face France.

Fly-half Russell was replaced in the first half of Racing 92's 34-29 defeat by Top 14 leaders Toulouse on Sunday.

Scotland have stated that the 26-year-old is now subject to further monitoring and the "graduated return to play protocol" in case of concussion.

As a precaution, Worcester Warriors' Duncan Weir has been added to the squad along with five others.

All being well, the earliest Russell could play would be Saturday, the day of the France game, which means he must remain symptom free up until kick-off.

Any setbacks and he will be ruled out, but he was symptom-free on Monday and will be monitored in the hope of naming him in the team on Thursday.

He could be named and then pulled out at any point before kick-off should any symptoms develop.

Russell had a hand in all five of Scotland's tries against Italy and set up their solitary score in the defeat by Ireland.

Despite the call to Weir, Glasgow's Adam Hastings and Pete Horne would be Russell's likely deputies should he fail to recover in time to play in Paris.

Back row Magnus Bradbury, wing Dougie Fife and centre James Johnstone, all Edinburgh, and Glasgow Warriors forwards Zander Fagerson and George Turner have also been added to the squad.

Warriors pair George Horne and Stafford McDowall, as well as Edinburgh front-row forwards David Cherry, Murray McCallum and Leicester Tigers forward Jake Kerr, drop out.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is already without his first-choice back row from last year in John Barclay, Hamish Watson and Ryan Wilson, as well as in-form forward Sam Skinner and key prop WP Nel.

Last week, he lost British and Irish Lions full-back Stuart Hogg and centre Huw Jones to injuries that may keep them out for the remainder of the tournament.

Jim Hamilton's tweet
Former Scotland lock Jim Hamilton gave his thoughts on Twitter

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