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Scotland back row player Emma Wassell has withdrawn from the upcoming WXV tournament after being diagnosed with a chest tumour.
Wassell, capped 67 times for her country, has been a key part of Bryan Easson’s squad in recent years but will miss the event in South Africa to undergo surgery.
The 29-year-old spent almost a fortnight in hospital after going to the emergency room and is now set to be sidelined for some time.
She will be replaced in the 30-player squad that travels to Cape Town by Saracens’ Louise McMillan, who had already joined the Scotland squad as an injury replacement.
“Unfortunately rugby is now on hiatus for a while as I will be undergoing surgery to remove the tumour, but I will do everything I can to return in 2025,” said the Loughborough Lightning right-back, who missed two Women’s Six Nations games earlier this year following the death of her mother.
“Missing another opportunity to come back and play in blue was really hard to take, especially after my year, but it’s a real testament to the team we’ve built.
“I honestly don’t have the words to describe the support I’ve received during this time, but I am beyond blessed to have such incredible people in my life. Mom left me in great hands, and I will forever be grateful to each and every one of you who made sure I never felt alone in all of this.”
Scotland comfortably beat Wales in one of two warm-up games ahead of WXV2 and will host Fiji in Edinburgh this weekend.
Easson’s side won the second division title at the inaugural World Rugby Championship in South Africa last year and will face Italy, Japan and Scotland over three weekends starting on Saturday, September 28.
