Ross Ford handed Scotland captaincy

Ross Ford will captain Scotland for the Six Nations campaign.

The 27-year-old Edinburgh hooker started all four of Scotland's games at last year's World Cup in New Zealand.
Head coach Andy Robinson revealed that his original intention had been to give the captaincy duty to back-row forward Kelly Brown.
However, Brown was injured playing for Saracens in the Heineken Cup at the weekend and will not be available for the tournament.
Ford made his first international appearance against Australia in 2004 and won his 53rd cap against England in the World Cup loss in Auckland.

Continue reading the main story

For me, the big thing is leading from the front and actually showing a good example to the boys as well as backing it up with words

Ross Ford Scotland captain

England are once again the opponents when Scotland begin their Six Nations tilt at Murrayfield on 4 February.
"This is a special day for Ross, who has been a key figure in our leadership group and our most consistent performer for some time," said Robinson.
"I firmly believe he is the man who will step up and lead from the front.
"That said, I'm really disappointed for Kelly Brown.
"I had asked him to be the captain late last week but unfortunately injury will deprive him of that honour and the chance to lead out his country for his 50th cap."
On Brown's leg injury, team doctor James Robson said: "Following the scans that Kelly underwent yesterday and consultation with a knee specialist, Kelly will require a small operation to stabilise the fibula head in his leg - which he dislocated. The surgery will facilitate his recovery.