Nathan Hines, the Australian-born Scotland lock, is set to miss next month's tour of Argentina in order to spend time Down Under helping care for his sick mother-in-law.

The Leinster forward was left out of the 27-man squad for the tour that was announced on Wednesday but he will be able to join up with the travelling party at a later stage.

Head coach Andy Robinson said: "He's going back to see his wife, who has been over in Australia nursing her sick mother.

"It's time for him to be there and if Nathan feels he can come across to Argentina at a later stage then we will leave that open for him to be able to do."

Robinson will also have to do without injured trio Chris Paterson, Thom Evans and Rory Lamont for what will be his first tour in charge.

The Scots will play Argentina twice, in Tucuman and Mar del Plata, on June 12 and June 19.

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