Scots pair happy to join Lions

ALLAN Dell and Finn Russell insist they have no regrets about joining the British and Irish Lions as mid-tour reinforcements.

The Scotland duo joined the Lions as part of boss Warren Gatland’s six-strong mid-tour call-ups, designed to ease the burden on the Test match squad.

Gatland’s decision has been criticised, amid claims the players were selected on proximity ahead of pure merit.

Prop Dell and fly-half Russell are t he only call-ups to take to the field, and all six were due to leave the Lions’ camp today after filling the replacements bench for midweek games against Chiefs and Hurricanes.

Dell and Russell revealed no Scotland players rejected the Lions’ advances, despite rumours to the contrary — and admitted they jumped at the chance to join Gatland’s squad.

“I’m definitely glad I came out her. You’d really regret not coming out here,” said Russell, who featured for five minutes as a temporary replacement for Dan Biggar i n yesterday’s 31-31 draw against Hurricanes.

“It’s a big chance. It might never happen again. So you take it and make the most of it.

“We’ve only been here 10 days, it’s been so quick.

“We were on such a high after the win over Australia in Australia, then we were flown out and one thing rolls into the other.

“I guess in time it will sink in what it really means to play for the Lions, once we’re back home and have a bit more time to t hink t hings through.

“For the boys who were picked after the Six Nations, they had all the build-up but for us it was an extremely quick turnaround.

“So you j ust j ump straight in and give it a go in a completely different environment.

“That’s tough but it’s good fun, and it’s been a good experience.

“It’s a no-brainer that you come.

“I don’t think anyone would turn down the Lions.

“No one from Scotland said no, and no one would.”

Russell and Dell joined the Lions straight after Scotland’s superb 24-19 win over Australia on June 17.

Gatland also called in Kristian Dacey, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill and Gareth Davies from Wales, who were touring in New Zealand.

The Lions boss came under fire for ignoring players from England, touring Argentina, and Ireland, in Japan, for requiring too much travel time to link up.

Russell and Dell remain proud of their exploits with the Lions, insisting they would not change their l ast two weeks.

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