Rugby: Townsend facing six-week lay-off

Gregor Townsend is likely to be out of action for six weeks after a scan on his knee revealed he had badly twisted cruciate ligaments in the Six Nations clash with France.

The Scotland fly-half limped off after just three minutes of the 16-6 defeat in Paris after sustaining the injury when he was tackled close the home line.

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan had hoped Townsend had only suffered a low grade tear but a scan following the player's return to club side Castres revealed the damage to be more serious.

"Gregor has badly twisted cruciate ligaments in his right knee," said Castres team manager Jacques Cauquil.

"He will be out for between four and six weeks."

Townsend will now definitely miss Scotland's next game against Wales at Murrayfield on February 17, plus the Calcutta Cup clash at Twickenham a fortnight later.

With the home clash against Italy falling within Cauquil's estimation of Townsend's absence, it now appears as though the final encounter with Ireland is the only game the stand-off is likely to be fit for.