Six Nations:Scotland team doctor James Robson has confirmed Thom Evans, Chris Paterson and Rory Lamont will miss the rest of the Six Nations after all suffered serious injuries during yesterday's dramatic 31-24 defeat against Wales in Cardiff.
Wing Evans was carried off on a stretcher following a sickening collision with Lee Byrne, and the Glasgow man subsequently underwent successful neck surgery at Cardiff University Hospital.
Fullback Paterson, who was winning his 100th cap, had to leave the fray having suffered bruising to his kidney while wing Lamont suffered a medial ligament injury.
Robson said: “Thom appeared to be tackled from behind with his arms pinned and went into Lee Byrne and had a forced movement to his neck.
“Fantastic credit to the help we got from the Welsh Rugby Union medical staff, we got him to hospital where his condition was assessed he has damaged one of the vertebrae in his neck.
“He was able to talk to us comfortably last night before he went to theatre and the operation was successful.
“Remarkably we will see Thom up and about in a couple of weeks and then it will be a long period of rest and recuperation, but that it the end of his season.”
Robson also confirmed Edinburgh man Paterson, Scotland’s record point scorer, will be out of the game for up to 10 weeks.
“Chris had a comfortable night,” he continued. “He sustained a giant bruise inside his kidney but the surgeons expect it to recover naturally and he should be out of hospital tomorrow.
“Chris should be fine, he is expected to be missing for around eight to 10 weeks.”
Toulon back Lamont, whose international career has been bedevilled by injuries, will also miss the rest of this season’s championship after suffering medial knee ligament damage.
“Rory has sustained some damage to his medial ligament of his knee. He will be seen by a surgeon in Edinburgh tomorrow, hopefully he will just need a period of rehabilitation but sadly, again, he is another who will be missing from the Six Nations.”
The sport, meanwhile, is rallying around Evans.
“Our thoughts are with him,” said Wales centre James Hook. “We wish him all the best and hope he makes a quick recovery. He is a superb player.“
And Wales captain Ryan Jones added: “We wish Thom back to health. We are all passionate about rugby, but your family and friends come first and rugby is second.“