Gray's Lions hopes in the balance

Scotland lock Richie Gray's hopes of making the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in June are in the balance after it was revealed on Monday he will be sidelined for eight weeks with a hamstring injury.

Gray was stretchered off during the 18-28 loss against Wales on Saturday and tests on the injury on Monday showed he won't be back in action before May, meaning he will be absent for Scotland's final Six Nations match against France in Paris on Saturday.

"Richie underwent a scan at Spire Murrayfield Hospital this afternoon which confirmed the presence of a grade two tear of one of his hamstring muscles," Scotland doctor James Robson said.

"The normal period of rehabilitation from injuries of this nature is in the region of eight weeks.

"We have kept his club medical team at Sale Sharks fully appraised of Richie's situation and he will now commence his recovery with his club with a view to playing before the end of the season."

AFP