Strokosch out of Autumn Tests : News

Alasdair Strokosch, the 27-year-old Gloucester flanker, has today been ruled out of Scotland's squad for next month's Autumn Tests against New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa.

Strokosch, who won his 17^thcap on the summer tour of Argentina, damaged knee ligaments in the closing stages of his club's Aviva Premiership Rugby match with Harlequins at the weekend and is expected to be sidelined for the next six weeks.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said:

"We wish Alasdair a speedy recovery. We may yet draft another player into the squad for our training camp in St Andrews next week and we'll discuss that after the matches this weekend."

Scotland play New Zealand on Saturday 13 November and South Africa on Saturday 20 November, both at Murrayfield, and conclude their Autumn Tests against Samoa on Saturday 27 November at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen.

Tickets are on sale now at www.scottishrugby.orgor by calling 0844 335 3933.

A try scorer in the 33-12 semi-final win over Newcastle, Billy Burns admitted that Gloucester hadn't started well, but that the last hour was much improved. A final in Bilbao now beckons but Burns insists the immediate focus is on Bath next week.

Man of the Match Jason Woodward admitted when talking to GRTV after the win over Newcastle, that Gloucester had shown the best of what they could do but also the worst before easing to victory and a place in the final.