FINN RUSSELL has not been named in Scotland’s squad for their two remaining Six Nations games but talks have been held with a view to the outcast fly-half touring South Africa and New Zealand.
The Racing 92 playmaker has played no part in the Six Nations after being disciplined for a “breach of team protocol” ahead of the opening match against Ireland in Dublin.
It appeared there would be no way back for Russell under Gregor Townsend after he told the Sunday Times there would need to be ”big changes” for him to resume his Scotland career, taking a dig at the head coach’s style and man-management.
Townsend responded last month by questioning the number 10′s commitment to playing for his country, with Russell also have stated the pair have “no relationship”.
However, a week before Scotland face leaders France at Murrayfield, Scottish Rugby revealed there has been dialogue, raising the prospect of Russell facing world champions the Springboks and the All Blacks in July.
“While not named in the squad, positive discussions have taken place with stand-off Finn Russell, with the goal of these being continued over the next few weeks in order for him to be involved in the forthcoming Summer Tests,” Scottish Rugby tweeted.
Edinburgh lock Lewis Carmichael was added to the squad to take on Les Bleus and Wales as a replacement for Cornell du Preez, while wing Darcy Graham (knee) will play no part in the tournament.
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best of luck to him. he has left a great template. 8 months of negotiations? feel sorry they dragged him through it for that long. probably had no intention of giving him whatever he wanted
A lot of unanswered questions in this saga. Very regrettable that Billy Walsh has resigned as Irish coach.
The IBAA will have a lot of explaining to do, how this situation wasn’t resolved.
Will Billy take more of his back room staff with him is the next question
it most likely will never be explained officially. most likely a case of one man becoming bigger than the organisation and the administrators can’t have that! not in this country anyway. a familiar end to an Irish success story.
You can almost hear their conversation – “Who the hell does Walsh think he is, look ah’ him, prancin’ around Doha like he runs the whole organisation, makin’ it ouhh like he’s the reason our boxers are doin’ so well, like it was all his ideas. Well it’s time to soften his cough and get rid ohh’ him. You watch, we’ll be grand, didn’t need him, he’s got too big for his boots!”
Well it wasn’t just money. The ability to pick your team as a coach and not need to have it ” ratified” by the boxing council is not much to ask.
The boxers will feel this the hardest and fair play to him he waited till after the world’s to announce his decision. He’ll be coaching the USA mens team before ya know it.