Edinburgh: Scotland centre Mark Bennett has been ruled out for up to a year after undergoing surgery to reconstruct his anterior cruciate ligament, the Scottish Rugby Union confirmed on Wednesday.

Bennett, who has 23 caps for Scotland and will join Edinburgh from Glasgow Warriors next season, injured his knee during Scotland’s 61-21 defeat by England in the Six Nations last month.

“Mark Bennett has undergone ACL reconstruction at BMI Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow. He is expected to be out of action for 9-12 months,” the Scottish Rugby Union said in a statement.

Scotland backrower Josh Strauss, who injured his kidney against France in February, is also likely to have played his last game for the Warriors ahead of his move to Sale Sharks for next season.

“We’re disappointed that Mark’s time at the club has come to an end in this way, and it also looks like Josh may not play for us again as he continues his graduated return to training,” Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said. (Reuters)