Rugby
Ford to skipper Scotland
2012-01-24 16:15
Paris - Ross Ford will captain Scotland in the Six Nations starting next month after Kelly Brown was on Tuesday confirmed to have been ruled out of the championship squad through injury.
Scotland coach Andy Robinson turned to Edinburgh hooker Ford after it emerged Saracens flanker Brown requires surgery on the leg injury he suffered against Treviso last Sunday.
The injury is expected to keep Brown out of action for more than two months.
"This is a special day for Ross, who has been a key figure in our leadership group and our most consistent performer for some time," Robinson said of Ford, who has won 53 caps to date.
"I firmly believe he is the man who will step up and lead from the front.
"That said, I'm really disappointed for Kelly Brown.
"I had asked him to be the captain late last week but unfortunately injury will deprive him of that honour and the chance to lead out his country for his 50th cap.
"I wish him a speedy recovery."
The Scots host England in their tournament opener on February 4.