Scotland have cut down their training squad by releasing seven players ahead of next month's Rugby World Cup.

Head coach Vern Cotter has opted to let go of Rory Hughes, Mike Cusack, Dougie Fife, Damien Hoyland, Allan Dell, Ben Toolis and Hamish Watson.

Four of those players featured in Scotland's 16-12 victory over Italy in Turin at the weekend.

"I would like to thank the players for all their hard work throughout what has been a very tough pre-season campaign," ESPN quotes Cotter as saying.

"Their commitment to improving as individuals and to our collective endeavour has been exceptional and has made this a very tough decision.

"They are understandably disappointed to miss out at this stage. However, they have done themselves proud with their performances in training and the two Test matches [against Ireland and Italy]."

Scotland will continue their World Cup preparations with a return match against Italy at Murrayfield.