Russell told: Put Scotland first if you want to play

SCOTLAND’S axed fly-half Finn Russell has been told by coach Gregor Townsend he must put the ‘best interests of the team’ first if he is to return to the side. Russell, 27, was dropped from Scotland’s Six Nations opener against Ireland for disciplinary reasons and then omitted for the Calcutta Cup defeat by England. ‘Players must be aligned to the high standards of being involved in team sport at an elite level,’ said Townsend in a statement. ‘These standards don’t change for one player. What is important is that you commit to what has been agreed and put the best interests of the team first. ‘The door will be open to any player with the required level of ability. ‘However, he stated at the weekend that everything else has to change for him to come back, rather than accept and adhere to the standards currently being lived by the group.’ Townsend said team leaders decided there would be no drinking after the first match, but that Russell was not willing to follow protocol. ‘Finn left camp on the Sunday night because of a disagreement over alcohol with fellow players and chose to miss the following day’s training and meetings,’ Townsend said. Scotland were dealt another blow with lock Jonny Gray ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a hand injury.

ENGLAND continued their push for a second straight Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam by beating Scotland 53-0. The match was moved to Murrayfield from Glasgow and played behind closed doors after Sunday’s postponement due to Storm Ciara.