Why isn’t Finn Russell playing for Scotland against Italy in Six Nations and when will fly-half return?
SCOTLAND visit Italy in a crucial Six Nations match. But they’ll need to beat the Italians without star fly-half Finn Russell, who has been ruled out yet again. Why isn’t Finn Russell playing for Scotland against England? RUSSELL will play no part in the Six Nations match against Italy. The Racing 92 star’s international career […]
SCOTLAND visit Italy in a crucial Six Nations match.
But they’ll need to beat the Italians without star fly-half Finn Russell, who has been ruled out yet again.
Why isn’t Finn Russell playing for Scotland against England?
RUSSELL will play no part in the Six Nations match against Italy.
The Racing 92 star’s international career hangs in the balance after it was claimed he breached squad rules and embarked on a drinking session at the team hotel ahead of the Six Nations opener.
The 27-year-old had flown up North from London after Racing had faced Saracens in the Champions Cup.
It’s understood Russell was asked repeatedly by team-mates and coaching staff to quit drinking but continued before leaving the team hotel to return home.
It’s believed Russell was given the chance to remain with the rest of the squad and train as normal but he elected to fly back to France.
A Scotland team spokesperson confirmed: “Stand-off Finn Russell will play no further part in preparations for Scotland’s Six Nations opener against Ireland, having been disciplined for a breach of team protocol during the week’s camp in Edinburgh.
“He has returned to his club.”
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Will Finn Russell play for Scotland at all this Six Nations?
In the build-up to the Six Nations, Gregor Townsend did not rule out a return to the squad for Russell but he suggested he will have to dramatically change his behaviour.
The Scotland coach said: “Let’s see what happens over the next few weeks.
“Every individual has to align himself to what’s to the benefit of the team. If their actions are against that there will be consequences.
“Nothing is more important in sport than playing for your national team, even more than club level.
“To be with the team, to promote that team culture of togetherness, of high standards and responsibility for what you have when you’re wearing that thistle.
“Every player is reminded of that every time when they come into camp.
“Every player works hard to be given that opportunity to play for Scotland and that will always be the case.”
But his chances of playing again this tournament took another hit when he laid into Townsend with an explosive interview in the aftermath of the England game.
Scotland Six Nations fixtures
- Ireland 19 Scotland 12
- Scotland 6 England 13
- Italy vs Scotland – Saturday, February 22 at 2.15pm
- Scotland vs France – Sunday, March 8 at 3pm
- Wales vs Scotland – Saturday, March 14 at 2.15pm