The pair remain in University Hospital Cardiff and both are described as being in "good spirits" by medical staff.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: "Thom has been heartened by the many messages of support he has received from around the world.

"The surgeons are delighted with his progress. Thom and his mum met with the surgeons last night and Thom has opted to undergo a further procedure later this week, which will enhance the surgery that has already taken place and provide further stabilisation to his neck.

"This procedure is optional and Thom could have decided to have it done at a later point, or not at all. He's decided to go ahead now and that should help with the whole recovery process.

"The same surgeons who performed the initial operation will undertake this procedure. Once he has settled from this procedure the expectation would be that he will be allowed to return home."

Dr Robson will travel to Cardiff tomorrow to continue to offer Scottish Rugby's full support to the players and their families.

He added: "Chris Paterson is continuing to make a good recovery from the injury he sustained to his kidney. He is hopeful of being released from hospital either later today or tomorrow. Then he would remain in Cardiff for a few days' rest before travelling home with his wife. "

Paterson has been to visit Evans in his ward on an adjacent floor at the hospital today and the duo spent 30 minutes in animated conversation.

Both players' pro-teams have joined literally thousands of well-wishers in expressing their support.

Nic Cartwright, Edinburgh's chief executive, said: "Saturday was a major disappointment for Chris and I'm sure he didn't want his 100th game for Scotland to end that way because of injury.

"We are pleased that he's okay and getting better. He will be out for a while, but his health is the most important thing."

His counterpart at Glasgow Warriors, Kenny Baillie, said: "Like all rugby supporters, I was worried when Thom was taken from the field on Saturday, but we are all delighted that he is improving and in good spirits.

"A large number of messages of support for Thom have been sent to the Warriors over the last 48 hours and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time to call and write in.

"Everyone at the Warriors and Scottish Rugby looks forward to seeing Thom back in Glasgow soon and we will be giving both Thom and his brother Max full support over the next few weeks."

Meanwhile, Scotland back Rory Lamont has been seen by orthopaedic surgeon Graham Lawson following the knee injury he sustained in Cardiff last weekend. He has undergone a scan at SPIRE Murrayfield Hospital and will be re-assessed in light of the results later this week.

Notes to editors: There will be no further update on Thom Evans and Chris Paterson until further notice.
 

 For further information please contact

Graham Law
Scotland team media manager
Tel: +44 (0)131 346 5164
Mob: +44 (0) 7764 178940
Fax: +44 (0)131 346 5192
email: graham.law@sru.org.uk

www.scottishrugby.org

Dominic McKay
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Tel: +44 (0)131 346 5126
Mob: +44 (0) 7812 419150
Fax: +44 (0)131 346 5192
email: dominic.mckay@sru.org.uk

www.scottishrugby.org