Scotland star Russell eyeing Test return

Sun, Apr 5, 2020, 2:36 AM
AFP
by AFP
Finn Russell is hoping to return to the Test arena. Photo: Getty Images
Finn Russell is hoping to return to the Test arena. Photo: Getty Images

Flyhalf Finn Russell said he was targeting Scotland's summer tour as a return to the Test scene after missing the Six Nations following a breakdown in his relationship with coach Gregor Townsend.

Russell, who has 49 Test appearances, was unavailable for his country earlier this year after leaving the national set-up before the start of the tournament.

Townsend's side are set to head to South Africa for two matches and New Zealand for a Test in July but the fixtures are in doubt due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The stuff in the Six Nations is done now, I'm not looking at that and thinking we need to look back, it is just how can we move forward and how can we get better as a team?" Russell told broadcasters BT Sport.

"If the summer tour goes ahead or not, I think that's the target.

 Gregor Townsend and Finn Russell are mending their relationship. Photo: Getty ImagesThat's my plan anyway, to try and get back by then," Russell added.

 The 27-year-old said the press had made an issue out of his disagreement with Townsend.

There wasn't a massive fallout, I think things were blown out of proportion a bit which happens in the media," the Racing 92 outside-half said.

We are speaking, it is not like there was a massive disagreement or 'I am never playing for you again'," he added.

 But Russell said their relationship had improved on a personal level since the COVID-19 outbreak started.

"I have been chatting to Gregor the last couple of weeks, not as player-coach but just as a chat in terms of 'how you getting on? What you doing in isolation? What you been up to?'," he said.

 "It was up and down during the Six Nations but I think we are both going to move forward in terms of progressing, which is great."

 

Share
Mac Grealy in action in the Force's internal game at Scotch College. Photo credit: Ben Somerford
Internal game report: Lots to like as Force warm up
Darcy Swain keen to activate beast mode at the Force
Bear Hunt: Kiss to unleash 14 Wallabies in stacked Reds side to face Bristol
Wallabies set for Jones reunion as Japan Test announced