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London - Hooker Scott Lawson has been drafted into the Scotland squad ahead of their departure to South Africa later on Friday, interim head coach Scott Johnson revealed.
The 31-year-old Newcastle Falcons forward, who is due to join London Irish next season, replaces former Scotland captain Ross Ford, who was ruled out of the trip by a calf injury.
Lawson has won 36 caps but he has not turned out for his country since an embarrassing 21-15 home defeat by Tonga last November.
"Ross Ford pulled up in training in Aviemore on Wednesday," Johnson said. "He was scanned at Spire Murrayfield Hospital and a calf tear was diagnosed, recovery from which takes, on average, more than six weeks.
"It's unfortunate for Ross but, looking on the bright side, it will give him the chance to have an off-season, which can do him good.
"It also gives an opportunity to assess other players, which is one of the key things this tour is about. It's a time then for Scott and the two hookers already named in the tour party, Pat MacArthur and Stevie Lawrie, to compete for places."
Scotland are due to take part in a four-team tournament in Johannesburg alongside hosts South Africa, Italy and Samoa.
