GLOUCESTER’S Greig Laidlaw has been ruled out for the rest of the RBS 6 Nations for Scotland and his participation for his club seems in doubt as he heads towards the end of the season.

The Cherry and Whites scrum-half will sit out the remainder of the Championship after suffering ankle ligament damage during Sunday's loss to France.

Laidlaw went down just before half-time as the Dark Blues slumped to a 22-16 defeat in Paris and left the Stade de France on crutches.

The 31-year-old was sent back to Kingsholm earlier this week to be assessed by his club medics, with the Scottish Rugby Union confirming on Wednesday that their worst fears had been realised.

It is a considerable blow for Scotland head coach Vern Cotter who has come to rely on Laidlaw, not only for his goal-kicking abilities but also his decision making in the heat of battle.