Scotland centre Joe Ansbro will miss his team’s opening Six Nations match against England this weekend because of a nagging back injury.

Ansbro has been released back to his club London Irish, Scotland lead physiotherapist Paul McGinley saying: “Joe came into our camp in St Andrews last week affected by a back injury which will need a longer period of rehabilitation.

“This will be undertaken at his club and he will be re-assessed following the England game.”

Coach Andy Robinson received better news, however, on Edinburgh back-row forward David Denton, who has recovered from injury and will train with the Scotland squad ahead of Saturday’s Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield.

Denton was a late withdrawal from his club’s European Cup victory over London Irish eight days ago after he suffered mild hamstring discomfort but he has been given the all clear to resume full training.