Scotland have received a major boost with the unexpected return of number eight Jack Dempsey to their Six Nations squad ahead of Saturday's clash with Grand Slam-chasing France. The 31-year-old Glasgow Warriors back row had been ruled out for the rest of the tournament after injuring his bicep during Scotland's Calcutta Cup victory over England.

Dempsey's return is timely for Gregor Townsend's side, who sit second in the Six Nations table. His ball-carrying ability and dynamism were missed in Scotland's win over Wales, and he scored in the defeat by Italy earlier in the championship. The forward has been in fine form for his club this season and would add valuable physicality against France's formidable pack at Murrayfield.

France arrive in Edinburgh as favourites to win and set up a potential Grand Slam decider against England in Paris next week. However, a Scotland victory would keep their title hopes alive heading into the final round against Ireland. Glasgow front-row pair Seb Stephen and Murphy Walker have also joined the squad, with Walker bringing five caps of experience and Stephen set to potentially make his international debut.