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Gregor Townsend says Finn Russell can return for Scotland if he is committed


Gregor Townsend has said Finn Russell could still rejoin the Scotland squad but stressed he must sign up to the new standards of behaviour that have been introduced.

Townsend released a statement in response to an interview when Russell expressed his frustrations over the international set-up and outlined the breakdown of his relationship with the national head coach.

There appears little chance that Russell will return for the remainder of the Six Nations after missing the opening two games – both lost by Scotland – following a breach of team discipline and Townsend warned changes would not be made for one player. “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,” he said.

“It’s been made clear that Finn could be a part of that future. 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.

“I hope this situation can be resolved but our focus is on working with the squad and building on the positive work that’s gone in from the players for our first two games.”

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Despite telling Russell he would not be involved in the opener against Ireland, Townsend felt he had ironed out some differences with his former Glasgow player. “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,” he said.

“I arranged to meet with him that evening. It was a really positive meeting where we talked openly about life, rugby and what it means to play for Scotland. I left that meeting, after almost three hours, really optimistic that Finn would play a major part in our environment and be a committed team member. Unfortunately, things have not unfolded as well as we would have hoped.”

Townsend has lost Jonny Gray for the remainder of the tournament after the second-row sustained a hand injury during the defeat by England on Saturday.



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