Zander Fagerson's Scotland future in doubt

Fagerson misses Fiji Test over 'personal reasons'

Scotland prop Zander Fagerson is a doubt for the rest of the Autumn Nations Series after missing the Fiji Test due to "personal reasons". The 26-year-old was not part of the team that beat Fiji 28-12 in Edinburgh on Saturday and head coach Gregor Townsend admitted he is unsure when Fagerson will be available again.

Fagerson played in the defeat by Australia

Fagerson started in Scotland's opening match of the series against Australia but was replaced at half-time in the 16-15 defeat. Townsend said after the game that Fagerson had been struggling with a back issue but he was expected to be fit to face Fiji.

Townsend unsure of Fagerson's return date

However, Fagerson was not involved in the matchday squad at all against Fiji, with Rory Sutherland starting at loosehead prop and Pierre Schoeman at tighthead. After the game, Townsend said: "Zander is not here for personal reasons. I don't know when he will be back, it's something we will have to discuss with him."

Fagerson has been a key player for Scotland

Fagerson has been a key player for Scotland in recent years, winning 50 caps since making his debut in 2016. He was part of the team that reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 Rugby World Cup and started all three matches in the 2021 British and Irish Lions series against South Africa.

Scotland face New Zealand next

Scotland's next game is against New Zealand at Murrayfield on 13 November, followed by Argentina a week later. Townsend will be hoping that Fagerson is available for at least one of those matches, but he will not be rushed back into action.