BRIEF-Rugby-Hooker Ledesma released from Argentina tour squad

BUENOS AIRES, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Argentina's World Cup hooker Mario Ledesma has pulled out of the touring Pumas' squad ahead of their third and final match against Scotland at Murrayfield next Saturday.

The Argentine Rugby Union said in a statement on Sunday that the French-based 36-year-old would not be part of the squad after "coach Santiago Phelan released the hooker of 71 caps for personal reasons".

Ledesma will almost certainly be replaced Alberto Vernet Basualdo in the starting line-up for the Pumas, who lost 16-9 to England a week ago and 33-16 to Wales on Saturday. (Reporting by Rex Gowar; Editing by Clare Fallon; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com) ((rex.gowar@thomsonreuters.com; +54911 5325 0775; Reuters Messaging: rex.gowar.reuters.com@reuters.net. For the Reuters sports blog Left Field go to: blogs.reuters.com/sport))

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