Finn Russell speaks on Townsend fall-out

Enigmatic Scottish fly-half Finn Russell has opened up on his much-publicised fall-out with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.

Russell was ousted from the Scotland Six Nations squad last year for breaking team protocol. It caused a significant rift between himself and Townsend which they have since worked through together and, according to Russell, the whole episode was for the best.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Russell said:

“It’s all fine, much better. Yes, it blew up a little bit but it did get blown out of proportion for me. Gregor [Townsend] and I and have spoken a lot.

“Personally, I believe for me and Gregor it was the best thing to happen. We have had a few small arguments here and there – usually after a game when I was frustrated – but it’s all good.

“I can see that, at the time, it doesn’t look good but going forward it is going to be better for us all. Coming back to camp I felt a lot more open and it was as if a weight had been taken off my shoulders.

“I’ve said what I needed to say and I’ve got it out the way. Gregor and I have worked through it and we have moved on. Going forward, it’s going to help. It can only be a positive now.”

The 51-capped international will turn out for Scotland in this year’s Six Nations, commencing with the Calcutta Cup against England on 6 February.