Exiled Russell agrees return to Scotland camp after Six Nations
Finn Russell has made peace with Gregor Townsend but will not return to the Scotland squad until after the Six Nations.
The fly-half has not featured in Scotland’s first three matches of the championship after a breach of team protocol on the eve of the tournament, when he missed a training session after an alleged late-night drinking session.
The Racing 92 playmaker then gave a newspaper interview in which he claimed he did not have a “personal relationship” with Townsend. The Scotland head coach hit back with a statement of his own in which he said: “The door will be open to any player with the required level of ability – if they commit to being a trusted member of the team.”
At that stage it appeared unlikely Russell would be selected again while Townsend was in charge, but the two have since held three positive phone conversations in a bid to bury the hatchet.
That looks to have been successful and it appears Russell will be selected in the future. However, that will not be during the Six Nations, in which Scotland still have to play France and Wales. Instead, Russell is likely to make his return on the summer tour of South Africa, when he could win his 50th cap.
Player and coach will hope yesterday’s move draws a line under the row, which has dominated Scotland’s tournament. The Scots lost to Ireland and England before winning in Rome nine days ago, with Adam Hastings impressing at flyhalf in Russell’s absence.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh lock Lewis Carmichael has been added to the Scotland squad. Carmichael has impressed for his Pro14 side since a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament ruled him out of the 201819 season.
The 24-year-old has won two Scotland caps, which included a try-scoring debut against Canada on the 2018 summer tour. Carmichael replaces Worcester back-row Cornell du Preez in the 37-man squad. Darcy Graham will miss the rest of the tournament with a knee injury.