Ford handed Six Nations captaincy

Edinburgh hooker Ross Ford will captain Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations after Kelly Brown was ruled out of the championship.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson had asked Brown to lead the team but it has been confirmed the Saracens flanker requires surgery on the leg injury he suffered against Treviso on Sunday.

With Brown expected to be sidelined for between eight and 10 weeks, Robinson turned to Ford, who has won 53 caps for Scotland.

"This is a special day for Ross, who has been a key figure in our leadership group and our most consistent performer for some time," Robinson said. "I firmly believe he is the man who will step up and lead from the front.

"That said, I'm really disappointed for Kelly Brown. I had asked him to be the captain late last week but unfortunately injury will deprive him of that honour and the chance to lead out his country for his 50th cap. I wish him a speedy recovery."

Brown dislocated his knee at the weekend and a specialist has confirmed he will require an operation.

Scotland open their Six Nations campaign against England on February 4 at Murrayfield, when Ford will become his country's 112th captain.

"It's a massive honour and privilege to captain your country. I'm really grateful to be given this chance to captain a team of so much potential," Ford said.

"For me, the big thing is leading from the front and actually showing a good example to the boys as well as backing it up with words.

"First and foremost is 'do it', do it for everybody to see, and that's the way I'll be looking to lead the team against England."