Scots turn to Ryan Grant as Allan Dell awaits op

GLASGOW Warriors prop Ryan Grant has been called into the Scotland squad for the Autumn Tests in place of Edinburgh’s Allan Dell, as the injury list confronting head coach Vern Cotter shows no sign of easing.
By STUART BATHGATE
Published 4th Nov 2014, 09:42 BST
Ryan Grant was in high spirits at training yesterday after being called into the Scotland squad. Picture: SNSRyan Grant was in high spirits at training yesterday after being called into the Scotland squad. Picture: SNS
Ryan Grant was in high spirits at training yesterday after being called into the Scotland squad. Picture: SNS

The uncapped Dell, a South African who qualifies for Scotland via his Paisley-born grandmother, injured a leg during his team’s league defeat in Leinster last Friday.

He was assessed that night in a Dublin hospital and was able to return to Scotland with his team-mates the following morning, but it was announced yesterday that he will need an operation on the injury.

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“He is currently under the care of medical staff at Spire Murrayfield [hospital] and will undergo surgery at the earliest opportunity, after which timelines for recovery will be determined,” a statement from Edinburgh Rugby said.

Grant, who has 18 caps and also toured with the Lions last summer, is himself just returning from injury.

He had shoulder surgery in May, returned to competitive action at club level a fortnight ago, and was named man of the match in his comeback for 
Glasgow in Friday’s victory over Treviso.

At least in the case of Grant, Cotter can call on a loosehead prop with considerable experience, albeit one who is short of match practice. In other areas, the coach has been robbed of some of his most seasoned campaigners – and this before the Autumn Tests have even begun.

The most significant loss to date is arguably that of lock Grant Gilchrist, who was announced as captain for the series two weeks ago, only to be ruled out days later with a fractured arm.

Cotter will name a replacement captain today, then on Thursday will announce his team for Saturday’s match against Argentina at BT Murrayfield.

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Related topics:EdinburghGlasgow WarriorsScotsman