Scotland will go into their final European Championship match against France in Avignon on Saturday without talismanic captain Danny Brough.
The former Super League Man of Steel and Huddersfield Giants skipper injured his hand in the Bravehearts’ 24-22 defeat by Ireland in Galashiels, which put the Scots out of contention to defend their title.
“Danny won’t come to France,” said Scotland head coach Steve McCormack.
“He has damaged his hand so won’t be fit, but he wouldn’t play anyway now that we can’t win it.
“Danny needs a rest. He’s played every game for us in the last three campaigns now and needs a break before pre-season starts with his club.”
Brough is just one match away from joining Andrew Henderson as Scotland’s most-capped international with 21 appearances and is set to break the record in the 2016 Four Nations Series when McCormack’s men will go up against England, Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, the outcome of the 2015 European Championship will go down to the wire for the second successive year, with three nations still capable of winning the title.
Wales, who remain unbeaten after their 14-6 win over France on Friday night, are favourites for their first Championship since 2010, which would represent a remarkable turnaround after they finished bottom last season.
John Kear’s men need a point against Ireland in Bray on Saturday night to win the title, but big wins for France and Ireland would see the title decided on points difference for the second time in 12 months.
