Lamont suffers Six Nations blow

Rory Lamont looks set to miss the Six Nations campaign

Scotland and Sale back Rory Lamont looks set to miss the 2009 Six Nations after undergoing ankle surgery.

The 26-year-old suffered severe ligament damage during his club's 36-6 Heineken Cup victory over Montauban last week.

He is expected to be sidelined for up to four months, while Scotland start their campaign on 8 February.

"This is very bad news for both Sale Sharks and Scotland. We will miss him," said Sale boss Philippe Saint-Andre.

Lamont, brother of fellow Scotland international Sean, will also sit out the remainder of Sale's Heineken Cup pool campaign, and possibly the quarter-finals, if the Sharks progress in the tournament.

"Rory has been playing well since he returned from his facial injury he sustained in the Calcutta Cup game last season," Saint-Andre added.

Scotland begin their Six Nations campaign against title holders Wales at Murrayfield in February.