Evans set for second operation

Edinburgh - Scotland wing Thom Evans is to undergo a second operation following a neck injury sustained during last weekend's 31-24 Six Nations loss away to Wales, team doctor James Robson said on Tuesday.

Evans was carried off on a stretcher at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday after a sickening collision with Wales full-back Lee Byrne and needed neck surgery at Cardiff University Hospital.

Both Evans and Chris Paterson remain in the same hospital after the full-back's record-breaking 100th cap appearance for Scotland was cut short by a kidney injury.

Robson, in a statement issued by the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU), said on Tuesday: "Thom and his mum met with the surgeons last night (Monday) and Thom has opted to undergo a further procedure later this week, which will enhance the surgery that has already taken place and provide further stabilisation to his neck.

"This procedure is optional and Thom could have decided to have it done at a later point, or not at all. He's decided to go ahead now and that should help with the whole recovery process.

"Once he has settled from this procedure the expectation would be that he will be allowed to return home."

He added: "Thom has been heartened by the many messages of support he has received from around the world. The surgeons are delighted with his progress."

Turning to Paterson, Robson, who will travel to Cardiff on Wednesday, said: "Chris Paterson is continuing to make a good recovery from the injury he sustained to his kidney.

"He is hopeful of being released from hospital either later today (Tuesday) or tomorrow (Wednesday). Then he would remain in Cardiff for a few days' rest before travelling home with his wife."

Robson confirmed on Sunday that Evans, Paterson, Scotland's record points scorer, and back Rory Lamont would all miss the remainder of the Six Nations as a result of injuries they sustained in Cardiff.

Lamont has been seen by an orthopaedic surgeon following the knee injury he suffered at the Millennium Stadium and has since undergone a scan at Edinburgh's SPIRE Murrayfield Hospital.

He will be re-assessed in light of the results later this week.

Scotland, fifth in the table after two defeats, continue their Six Nations campaign away to basement side Italy in Rome on February 27.