Ford expected to face Wales

Scotland hooker Ross Ford should be fit to face Wales in a fortnight despite having to have his face patched up following their RBS 6 Nations win over Ireland.

The Edinburgh front-row forward retired early in the second half of Sunday's 12-8 victory over Ireland at Murrayfield after picking up a facial injury. But Scotland's medical team say Ford should be available for the visit of Wales on March 9.

"Fordy suffered severe facial lacerations, we believe as a result of a collision or collisions," said Scotland team doctor James Robson.

"Ross was treated at Murrayfield, then one of our matchday doctors, Gerry Haggerty, took him to St John's Hospital in Livingston, where he was cared for by one of their plastic surgery specialists.

"He received multiple stitches to the wound and was able to return to the team hotel last night.

"Our expectation is that with ongoing good care and attention to the wound, Ross should be available for consideration for the Scotland v Wales game."

The Scotland medical staff, Dr Robson and physiotherapists Paul McGinley and Stephen Mutch, will continue to assess the remainder of the squad over the next 24 hours.

However, Dr Robson added: "Despite the rigours of yesterday's Test match, the rest of the squad appears in rude health today. As usual, they will continue to be medically monitored over the next few days."