Injured Graham is out of Scots Six Nations squad

Following the news that one of the top players, Finn Russell, had gone back to his club after a ‘protocol breach’ and would not play in the opening game against Ireland, preparations were rocked further by the loss of Graham (22) after a knee injury in training at Oriam earlier this week.

The Scottish Rugby website said ex-Hawick winger Graham was not expected to feature in Scotland’s opening rounds of the championship, after an MRI scan at Spire Murrayfield Hospital confirmed the extent of the ligament damage.

Ex-Melrose prop Jamie Bhatti will also not be travelling to Dublin, leaving newly-promoted captain, Stuart Hogg, as the only Borders player to line up against the Irish on February 1.

Stand-off Duncan Weir has been added to the squad as it steps up preparations for the Test match with a training camp in Spain, leaving this Sunday.