Scotland flanker Rory Darge is in a race against time to be fit for next month’s crucial Six Nations Series showdown with New Zealand, after suffering a knee injury that has sidelined him for several weeks. The 25-year-old sustained the issue during the second half of Glasgow Warriors’ opening United Rugby Championship victory over the Sharks last weekend. Despite receiving on-field treatment, he continued playing for about 10 minutes before being substituted.
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Subsequent medical scans revealed damage to his medial collateral ligament. According to Glasgow head coach Franco Smith, the expected recovery period is between four to six weeks. Scotland’s Six Nations 2026 campaign begins on 1 November against the USA, followed by a historic opportunity to secure their first-ever win over the All Blacks a week later, on 8 November.
Darge has become an integral figure for the national team, having captained Scotland in their last seven Tests—five of them as co-captain alongside Finn Russell during this year’s Six Nations 2026, before taking full leadership in their summer fixtures against Fiji and Samoa. His potential absence represents a significant setback for head coach Gregor Townsend, but Smith remains cautiously optimistic that Darge could make a quicker-than-expected return.
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Six Nations 2026: Smith Remains Hopeful Over Darge’s Recovery
He’s looking at four to six weeks of recovery, Smith said. It’s his MCL, so fortunately, it’s not a severe injury. If you’re going to hurt your knee, that’s probably the best ligament to damage. We’ll see how he progresses. Smith added that Darge’s commitment and resilience could accelerate his comeback. Once the soreness fades, players with this type of injury can often push forward quickly. Regaining strength and proprioception is the key.
Rory’s a tough, determined player, so you can’t rule anything out yet. While Glasgow will have to manage without their first-choice openside for at least the next four URC fixtures, beginning against Benetton on Saturday, Smith expects better fortune with another Scotland star, Jack Dempsey.
The No.8 was due to make his first competitive start since the Six Nations 2026 against the Sharks, but was withdrawn moments before kickoff after sustaining a groin issue during the warm-up. Thankfully, it’s not as serious as we first feared,” Smith confirmed. We’re optimistic that Jack will return before the Six Nations 2026 internationals.
Smith suggested Dempsey’s latest setback might have stemmed from the high-intensity work he put into recovering from his previous hamstring injury. Sometimes players focus so much on rehabilitating one area that it puts stress on other parts of the body. That’s likely what happened here, he explained. It’s unfortunate, but it’s not a major concern, just a minor setback.
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Six Nations 2026: Coach Smith Welcomes Their Comeback
On a more positive note, centre Sione Tuipulotu and captain Kyle Steyn are both set to return to action this weekend. Tuipulotu, who captained Scotland during last year’s Six Nations 20262026campaign before a pectoral injury ruled him out of the Six Nations, is expected to feature for the first time since his British & Irish Lions involvement. Steyn, meanwhile, has recovered from a hand fracture.
I’m thrilled to have both of them back, Smith said. They’re eager to contribute and build momentum ahead of the international window. Sione, in particular, has barely featured for months, and you can sense his excitement to get back on the pitch. Maintaining continuity is vital before the Six Nations 2026 Tests.
As Scotland prepares for a demanding November schedule, the squad’s medical updates offer a blend of concern and optimism. While Darge’s recovery remains uncertain, the return of key players like Tuipulotu and Steyn provides much-needed balance for both Glasgow and the national team as they aim to build form ahead of facing one of rugby’s toughest opponents.
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