England's players had already promised their autographed jerseys for auction to raise money for Hampson and the Scots matched the gesture.

Martin Corry, the England captain said: ''It's a huge gesture from Scotland. Matt's injury just puts everything in perspective.

''I went into their dressing room to apologise that we would not be exchanging our shirts and their captain Gordon Bulloch came back and said the Scottish players would donate theirs as well.

''It just shows what a tremendous community rugby is and Scotland made a brilliant gesture.

''The main thing is to provide whatever help Matt needs in his recovery and rehabilitation.''