Scotland Squad Sees Three Glasgow Forwards Withdraw Due to Injuries

Three forwards from Glasgow Warriors – Jack Dempsey, Max Williamson, and Gregor Brown – have withdrawn from the Scotland squad. This development occurs as Gregor Townsend’s team gets ready to play Portugal on Saturday. Johnny Matthews, a club colleague, and Scarlets prop Alex Hepburn have been brought in to fill their places. Dempsey, a number eight, sustained a shoulder injury after beginning Sunday’s match against South Africa, which ended in defeat. Williamson, a lock, incurred a hand injury after being introduced early in the game as a replacement following Scott Cummings’ red card. Flanker Brown, who was not involved in the Murrayfield fixture, is dealing with a rib injury. Matthews, a hooker with one Scotland cap, was notably absent from Townsend’s initial squad despite his impressive try-scoring performance for his club. Hepburn, also 31 years old, possesses four caps. Portugal is scheduled to play at Murrayfield on Saturday. This fixture marks the second of Scotland’s Autumn Series internationals, which will conclude with Australia’s visit on November 24. Concurrently, Glasgow lock Cummings is set to appear before an independent disciplinary hearing regarding his ruck infringement during the match against South Africa. He is expected to be informed of the outcome via video link during the hearing, which is slated for Tuesday evening.