Huge Blow For Scotland As Finn Russell Removed From Team

Just nine days out from their Six Nations opener against Ireland, Scotland have removed mercurial playmaker Finn Russell from the team.

Jan 23, 2020 by FloRugby Staff

Huge Blow For Scotland As Finn Russell Removed From Team

Scotland fly-half Finn Russell will miss the Six Nations opener against Ireland after a "breach of team protocol", Scottish Rugby said on Thursday.

The Racing 92 stand-off will not play in Scotland's opener against Ireland on February 1 and it is unclear whether he will play at all in the campaign.

"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," a Scotland team spokesman said in a statement.

The 27-year-old, who made his debut for Scotland in 2014, has emerged as a key figure in Gregor Townsend's side.

His potential absence for the entire Six Nations would be a huge blow for Scotland as they look to bounce back from a disappointing World Cup campaign last year.

The in-form Adam Hastings is now almost certain to wear the number 10 jersey in Dublin but Townsend may look for reinforcements with no other regular stand-offs in his squad.

Full-back Stuart Hogg did play there earlier in his career and Northampton centre Rory Hutchinson can also fill the position.

Glasgow's Pete Horne was a notable omission from the original squad, while Duncan Weir is playing regularly for Worcester, having not represented his country since 2017.