Russell axed over boozing allegation
FINN RUSSELL was dropped from Scotland’s opening Six Nations squad after being involved in an alleged drinking session.
Boss Gregor Townsend told the Racing 92 fly-half he would not be winning his 50th cap against Ireland next Saturday after what the Scottish Rugby Union called a “breach of team protocol”.
It is understood Russell failed to show up for Monday’s training session after spending the previous evening drinking at the team hotel.
Players had permission to have a few drinks but it is alleged Russell refused to stop when approached by team-mates and members of the coaching staff before leaving the hotel for his parents’ house in Stirling.
The 27-year-old reported to Scotland’s Oriam base
SSR later in the day only for Townsend to tell him he would not feature against the Irish.
The head coach then gave Russell the chance to return and help the squad prepare for the Six Nations opener at the Aviva Stadium. But he snubbed the offer and has returned to Paris, placing serious doubts over his participation in any of the Six Nations matches.
Townsend and Russell also clashed at Twickenham last year when England raced 31-0 ahead. Russell inspired
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JACKPOT: www.totepoolliveinfo.com the fightback for a 38-38 draw as he threw the original game plan out the window. A source close to the squad said the relationship with Townsend had deteriorated over the past year or so.
“There was the big row in the changing room at halftime during the Calcutta Cup match with England,” said the source. “Then during the World Cup in Japan there were more issues. And it became clear more recently that the situation was close to breaking point.” ventures totalling £1.3million with leading players judged to be breaches of the cap.
Wray, who quit as chairman at the start of the year, said: “I am really sorry for the heartache that I have caused you due to my ill-considered approach.
“My intention with co-investments was always to support players beyond their playing careers.”
Wray maintained the rule-breaking had not been deliberate but the report showed non-compliance and obstruction back to 2014. Saracens overspent by £2.1m over three seasons.
The league’s salary cap manager, Andrew Rogers, said in the report: “Saracens have frequently crossed the line.This has been compounded by a reluctance to co-operate.”