Scotland have been thrown into disarray following Finn Russell's departure from their training camp ahead of their Six Nations opener against Ireland on Saturday week.
Russell, the Scots' first-choice out-half, has been sent back to his club Racing 92 following a breach of discipline and Glasgow Warriors' Adam Hastings is set to step into his place at no 10.
The decision was confirmed by a Scottish team spokesperson on Twitter.
"Stand-off Finn Russell will play no further part in preparations for Scotland's Six Nations opener against Ireland, having been disciplined for a breach of team protocol during the week's camp in Edinburgh. He has returned to his club," read the tweet.
It remains to be see if Russell will play any part in the championship beyond the February 1 clash in Dublin.
Russell, the Scots' first-choice out-half, had suffered an ankle issue during the Champions Cup pool clash between Racing 92 and Saracens last weekend, and he was replaced by Francois Trinh-Duc with five minutes remaining.
However the BBC has speculated that the Racing 92 out-half could have left Gregor Townsend's squad due to renewed tensions over a half-time spat between the pair during the 38-38 draw with England in last year's championship.
Since then Russell, 27, played for the Scots at the World Cup, including in the heavy defeat to Ireland in the opening pool game.
The former Glasgow Warriors playmaker has played 46 times for Scotland since his 2014 Test debut.
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