Joe Ansbro has suffered a broken neck playing in a pre-season match for club side London Irish.

The Scotland centre was carried off a minute into the second half of the 34-10 victory against Munster, with play being delayed for ten minutes. He is currently in hospital in Cork.

Scotland team doctor, James Robson, has given an optimistic view of Ansbro's recovery period.

"The management of the injury Joe has sustained typically involves a period of between six to eight weeks immobilisation then a further four to six weeks of rehabilitation before he can look at a return to the game," he said.

"We wish Joe well in his recovery."

A statement from London Irish on Monday morning read: "Joe broke a small bone at the top of his neck early in the game’s second half.

"After An MRI scan, it was confirmed that immediate surgery was not required, and the injury would be managed by external fixation.

"He is in the care of the club’s and hospitals medical team and is expected to return to the UK later this week."

Ansbro, who was previously with Northampton Saints, has made 11 appearances for his country, scoring a try in the 2011 Rugby World Cup game against Romania.

The 26-year-old made his Scotland debut in 2010 against South Africa and has gone on to score 15 points from three tries.