Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend says his team are being disadvantaged during this Six Nations by the refusal of Premiership Rugby Limited to allow English-based players to train with his side during gap weeks.
“We don’t have the best preparation,” said Townsend. “Going into the Calcutta Cup game, England had double the preparation because our English-based players aren’t allowed to train with us even though there are no Premiership games; even though in this coming week clubs are off for a week.”
“I’d imagine it’s going to be the same situation this time (Italy on Match 9), which is a real disadvantage.”
