Scotland have replaced injured hooker Dave Cherry with Stuart McInally in their 33-man Rugby World Cup 2023 squad.
Cherry suffered a concussion after an accident in the team hotel on Monday when he slipped on the stairs and injured his head, on a team day off.
He is now following the return-to-play protocols, which means he is unavailable for at least the next 12 days and would miss the team’s second Pool B match against Tonga on 24 September, with further games against Romania (30 September) and Ireland (7 October) to follow.
The decision was therefore taken to end his tournament involvement on medical grounds.
McInally, who captained Scotland at Rugby World Cup 2019, was already on standby having flown to France last week after a concussion sustained by another hooker, Ewan Ashman.
Ashman is continuing his return-to-play protocols and is currently on track to be available for selection next week.
Cherry, 32, featured as a replacement in Scotland’s opening Pool B match against South Africa in Marseille on Sunday.
He said: “I’m hugely disappointed to be leaving the squad with concussion. I’ve loved my time in camp over the summer and gaining my first World Cup cap on Sunday against South Africa.
“I want to wish the team all the best for the remainder of the competition.”
McInally, who has 49 caps, announced recently that he will retire after Rugby World Cup 2023 to pursue a new career as an airline pilot.
Jamie Ritchie captains a squad that is made up of 19 forwards and 14 backs and is one of 15 players to have appeared at a previous Rugby World Cup. Second rows Richie Gray and Grant Gilchrist, prop WP Nel and fly-half Finn Russell are playing in their third tournament.
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Forwards
Prop
Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) 31 caps
Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 59 caps*
WP Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) 55 caps*
Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby) 23 caps
Javan Sebastian (Edinburgh Rugby) 5 caps
Rory Sutherland (Unattached) 25 caps
Hooker
Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh Rugby) 8 caps
Stuart McInally (Edinburgh Rugby) 49 caps
George Turner (Glasgow Warriors) 37 caps*
Second row
Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) 28 caps*
Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) 64 caps**
Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 75 caps**
Sam Skinner (Edinburgh Rugby) 27 caps
Flanker / Number 8
Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh Rugby) 5 caps
Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors) 10 caps
Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) 11 caps
Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 35 caps
Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby) – CAPTAIN – 42 caps*
Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) 58 caps*
Backs
Scrum-half
George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) 22 caps*
Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) 63 caps*
Ben White (RC Toulon) 15 caps
Fly-half
Ben Healy (Edinburgh Rugby) 2 caps
Finn Russell (Bath Rugby) 71 caps**
Centre
Chris Harris (Gloucester Rugby) 43 caps*
Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 38 caps
Cameron Redpath (Bath Rugby) 7 caps
Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors) 18 caps
Wing / full back
Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby) 35 caps*
Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) 46 caps*
Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors) 5 caps
Kyle Steyn (Glasgow Warriors) 12 caps
Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) 30 caps
(*denotes past Rugby World Cup selection)
Players replaced from original squad of 33: Dave Cherry
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”