Prop WP Nel has been ruled out of Scotland's Six Nations campaign with a neck injury.

Nel was included in Scotland's initial 37-man squad, but a MRI scan at Spire Murrayfield Hospital on Wednesday revealed he had damaged an intervertebral disc in his neck following a harrowing clash in Edinburgh's European Challenge Cup match against Harlequins last Saturday.

The 30-year-old Nel will have to go for a second specialist assessment on Monday to determine his programme recovery, including whether corrective surgery is required.

Scotland coach Vern Cotter has not yet named a replacement for Nel.

Photo: SNS Group/SRU