Brown in 'good fettle' after collision

Back-row forward Kelly Brown was said to be in good spirits after being forced off with a head knock at Twickenham, and will be assessed daily until the visit of Italy.

The Saracens backrower had to leave the field of play during Scotland's narrow 22-16 loss to England in Twickenham yesterday after shipping a heavy knock while tackling Matt Banahan.

Brown lay prostrate on the field for several minutes, before being removed by medical staff from the pitch on a stretcher.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: “Kelly was concussed but is in good fettle today and is beginning the first stages of the return-to-play protocol.”

Robson reported other routine “bumps and bruises” with 11 players on his treatment list.

They are forwards Moray Low (arm), Richie Gray (neck), Alastair Kellock (foot), Nathan Hines (knee), John Barclay (hand) and Richie Vernon (calf), along with backs Max Evans (knee and ankle), Joe Ansbro (calf), Simon Danielli (neck), Dan Parks (knee) and Chris Paterson (shoulder).