Scotland’s Darcy Graham Out of South Africa Test Due to Concussion

Scotland’s winger, Darcy Graham, is set to miss the upcoming autumn Test against South Africa on Sunday. This absence is a result of a concussion he suffered during his four-try display in the match against Fiji. The 27-year-old had recently returned to play for Scotland for the first time in a year, having been sidelined from both the Six Nations and the summer tour due to multiple injuries. During the 57-17 victory at Murrayfield on Saturday, he contributed four of Scotland’s eight tries. This achievement propelled him to the second position on Scotland men’s all-time top try-scorers list, placing him just one try behind his team-mate, Duhan van der Merwe. Nevertheless, Graham was substituted after 65 minutes of play and has subsequently not passed the head injury assessment (HIA) protocols in preparation for the match against South Africa. Head coach Gregor Townsend confirmed his status, stating, “He’ll do nothing for the next three days, then he starts the graduated return to play.” Townsend added, “If everything goes well and he’s feeling good, he’ll be available for Portugal [on 16 November].” Scotland was already missing Kyle Steyn. However, Townsend disclosed that the hamstring injury sustained by Kyle Rowe, which led to the winger’s early departure from the Fiji game, is less severe than initially anticipated. Townsend commented on Rowe’s condition, saying, “He’s a chance for this week.” He further explained, “We all felt after the game that could be him missing the next few games, but he’s recovering well.” The team will also be strengthened by the return of Toulouse full-back Blair Kinghorn, Sale Sharks winger Arron Reed, and vice-captain Finn Russell.