Thom Evans, Chris Paterson and Rory Lamont will not be able to play for Scotland again in this year's Six Nations due to the injuries they suffered during Saturday's dramatic 31-24 loss to Wales.
Evans had surgery on his neck on Saturday evening after suffering the injury in a clash with Lee Byrne. He was carried off on a stretcher, but was yesterday able to move his limbs. He will not feature again for his country or club Glasgow Warriors this season.
"Remarkably we will see Thom up and about in a couple of weeks and then it will be a long period of rest and recuperation, but that is the end of his season," said James Robson, the team doctor. "He was able to talk to us comfortably before he went to theatre and the operation was successful."
Paterson also remained in University Hospital Cardiff for observation yesterday after suffering heavy bruising to his right kidney during the game. He was expected to be released today, but Robson said he will be out of the game for up to 10 weeks.
Lamont suffered medial ligament damage to a knee. He will see a specialist today but is not expected to return before the end of the tournament,
The injuries, in particular the serious one suffered by Evans, have raised fresh concerns about the safety of players.
But Gavin Hastings, the former Scotland player, suggested that injuries are no more common now than before but they are more high profile.
"Everyone knows the physicality of rugby is very much apparent," he said."At the highest level the players' fitness levels are so fantastic that these injuries I think are not as common. "
South Wales Police confirmed last night that Andy Powell, the Welsh forward, was arrested early yesterday. Powell, 28, and another man were driving a golf buggy towards a motorway.
* With agencies
BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
Summer special
How to help
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Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
TRAINING FOR TOKYO
A typical week's training for Sebastian, who is competing at the ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon on March 8-9:
- Four swim sessions (14km)
- Three bike sessions (200km)
- Four run sessions (45km)
- Two strength and conditioning session (two hours)
- One session therapy session at DISC Dubai
- Two-three hours of stretching and self-maintenance of the body
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
Abandon
Sangeeta Bandyopadhyay
Translated by Arunava Sinha
Tilted Axis Press
POSSIBLE ENGLAND EURO 2020 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Dean Henderson.
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Joe Gomez, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Ben Chilwell, Fabian Delph.
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Harry Winks, Jordan Henderson, Ross Barkley, Mason Mount, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Forwards: Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk