SCOTLAND head coach Gregor Townsend is facing a pre-Six Nations sweat after key duo Sione Tuipulotu and Scott Cummings emerged as injury concerns ahead of the championship.

There is particular worry around the fitness of captain Tuipulotu, who has suffered a pectoral injury, with Glasgow head coach Franco Smith hinting that — but refusing to confirm — he fears a lengthy spell on the sidelines for the centre.

The 27-year-old played no part in Saturday’s Champions Cup defeat at Harlequins, although his club were adamant he had been always due to be rested for the match at the Stoop regardless of injury.

Asked for an update on Tuipulotu immediately after the game, Smith said: “He had an assessment this morning [Saturday]. I don’t know the extent of it yet. I know that the feedback around the player will be given tonight and tomorrow.

“I think he might have injured his pec. It was a freakish injury. It was just something that happened. We weren’t suspicious about it, we just wanted to make sure it was nothing serious. But we will have more clarity tomorrow.”