Bayliss limped off late in the first half with what Bath head of rugby Johan van Graan labelled a “serious” groin injury. Townsend has already lost captain Sione Tuipulotu and lock Scott Cummings to injury, while there are slight concerns over Duhan van der Merwe’s fitness due to an ankle issue.

Finn Russell was hailed as "one of the very best players in the world" by Bath boss Johann van Graan after the Scotland playmaker led the way in Sunday's 32-23 victory over Sale Sharks.

Bath fly-half Finn Russell has been tipped to take the Six Nations by storm and lead the charge for the British & Irish Lions against Australia later this year.

Finn Russell and Scotland plot a ‘different’ answer to the same old Six Nations question - Exclusive interview: Even the fly-half himself admits that he has not won enough silverware – so could this be Scotland’s year for Six Nations success?

Gregor Townsend has added five players to his injury-hit squad ahead of Saturday's Six Nations opener against Italy at Murrayfield, including Australia-born back-row forward Alexander Masibaka.

Bath Rugby beat Sale Sharks 32-23 at the Salford Community Stadium in Round 11 of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership

Finn Russell pulled the strings as Premiership leaders Bath ended Sale’s unbeaten home record this season with a hard-earned 32-23

Finn Russell starred as English Premiership leaders Bath shattered Sale's unbeaten home record with a 32-23 win at Salford Stadium on Sunday.

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Scotland have added five players to their Six Nations squad ahead of their opening fixture against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday, including Australia-born back row Alexander Masibaka after number eight Josh Bayliss dropped out with a groin injury.

The void left by Tuipulotu is clear but there is now an opportunity to try new combinations and shock their Six Nations opponents

Fergus Burke learning from Finn Russell as he eyes succeeding him at fly-half - Burke was last week called up to Gregor Townsend’s squad for the first time for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations.