Scotland provide Darcy Graham update after ‘freak’ Finn Russell head collision

The winger was taken to hospital after colliding with team-mate Finn Russell at Murrayfield but he has now been released

Graham was taken off the pitch on a buggy after a worrying head clash with Finn Russell (Getty Images)

Darcy Graham has been released from hospital and will follow concussion protocols after suffering a head injury in a “freak” collision with Scotland team-mate Finn Russell in the Six Nations defeat to Ireland on Sunday.

The Edinburgh winger had to be carried off the pitch on a buggy amid worrying scenes after he and fly-half Russell clashed heads in the 21st minute of the 32-18 defeat.

Graham was later taken to hospital before Scottish Rugby confirmed he had been discharged later that evening. The 27-year-old remains a major doubt to face England in the Calcutta Cup a week on Saturday.

A statement confirmed: “Darcy Graham was taken to hospital as a precaution following an injury during the game. He has subsequently been released and has been diagnosed with a concussion. He will be managed in line with the concussion protocols.”

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend also provided an update on co-captain Russell, who passed a head injury assessment (HIA) before being taken off from the match over concerns from the team’s medical staff.

"There were a couple of things he wasn't remembering about plays. So we made the call not to put him back on,” Townsend said.

"He's obviously frustrated. It's a freak injury when you collide with your own player. I don't know the protocols of passing HIA and then being pulled out. He will now be classed as a failure, delayed symptoms. I don't know whether that will be just seven days. It's based on his record and passing HIA too.

"There's no game for Finn next week anyway. We're hoping he'll make a full recovery in time for England.”