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Scottish lock Emma Wassell has withdrawn from the upcoming WXV tournament after being diagnosed with a chest tumor.
Wassell, capped 67 times for her country, has been a key cog in Bryan Easson’s squad in recent years but will miss the South Africa event to undergo surgery.
The 29-year-old spent almost a fortnight in hospital after admitting herself to the emergency room and is now ready to have some time away.
She will be replaced in the 30-player squad heading to Cape Town by Saracens’ Louise McMillan, who had already joined the Scotland squad as injury cover.
“Unfortunately rugby has been suspended for a while as I will have surgery to remove the tumor, but I will do everything I can to return in 2025,” said the Loughborough Lightning, who missed two matches of the Women’s Six Nations Tournament. earlier this year after the death of his mother.
“Missing another opportunity to come back and play in blue was very difficult to take, especially after my year, but it’s truly a testament to the team we’ve built.”
“I honestly don’t have the words to describe the support I have received during this time, but I am beyond blessed by the incredible people I have in my life. Mom left me in good hands and I will be forever grateful to each and every one of you who made sure I never felt alone in any of this.
Scotland comfortably beat Wales in one of two warm-up matches ahead of WXV2 and will host Fiji in Edinburgh this weekend.
Easson’s side won the second-tier title at the inaugural edition of the World Rugby event in South Africa last year. They take Italy, Japan and Scotland over three weekends starting Saturday September 28.
