Hogg, Russell out of Scotland squad for South America tour

Scotland captain Stuart Hogg and key playmaker Finn Russell were both left out of a 40-man squad announced on Wednesday for an upcoming tour of South America.

Fullback Hogg and flyhalf Russell have both had a heavy playing schedule since they were each involved in last year's British and Irish Lions series in South Africa.

But they were also among a group of six players involved in a disciplinary issue following a night out in Edinburgh after a Six Nations win away to Italy, which cast doubt over whether Hogg would retain the captaincy after a tournament where Scotland finished fourth had been completed.

Edinburgh lock Grant Gilchrist has been named as skipper for the upcoming tour, which will include an 'A' match against Chile later this month and three Tests against Argentina in July.

Chris Harris, who was also involved in the Lions squad, is not included, but Hamish Watson, Ali Price, Duhan van der Merwe and Zander Fagerson, who all appeared for the combined side, have been selected by Scotland coach Gregor Townsend.

Squad:

Backs

Mark Bennett (Edinburgh), Matt Currie (Edinburgh), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Adam Hastings (Gloucester/ENG), George Horne (Glasgow), Damian Hoyland (Edinburgh), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton/ENG), Sam Johnson (Glasgow), Huw Jones (Harlequins/ENG), Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh), Rufus McLean (Glasgow), Ali Price (Glasgow), Kyle Rowe (London Irish), Ollie Smith (Glasgow), Ross Thompson (Glasgow), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow), Duhan van der Merwe (Worcester/ENG), Ben White (London Irish/ENG)

Forwards

Ewan Ashman (Sale/ENG), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow), Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh), Dave Cherry (Edinburgh), Andy Christie (Saracens/ENG), Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh), Scott Cummings (Glasgow), Rory Darge (Glasgow), Matt