Scotland lock Emma Wassell has been withdrawn from her country’s 30-player squad for the forthcoming WXV 2 tournament after being diagnosed with a tumour in her chest that requires surgery.

The 29-year-old, who plays for Loughborough Lightning, has been capped 67 times and has been a vital part of Bryan Easson’s squad for the past few years.

Saracens’ Louise McMillan will travel to Cape Town as her replacement for the World Rugby competition.

Wassell missed games against England and Italy in the Six Nations earlier this year after the death of her mother, Pauline, but returned to start the final match against Ireland.

“Unfortunately, rugby has now been put on hold for a while as I will get surgery to remove the tumour, but I will be doing everything I can to return in 2025,” she told Scottish Rugby.

“To miss another opportunity to be back playing in blue has been a really tough one to take, especially after my year, but that truly is a testament to the team we have built.”

Wassell paid tribute to her team-mates for their backing during such a traumatic period.

“I honestly don’t have the words right now to describe the support I’ve had during this time, but I am beyond blessed with the incredible people I have in my life,” she added.

“Mum left me in good hands and I will forever be grateful to every single one of you who made sure I never felt alone in any of this.”

Starting on 27 September and running until 13 October, 2024 WXV will be the second edition the new group tournament.

Scotland are up against Australia, Italy, Japan, hosts South Africa and Wales in the competition’s second tier.