Finn Russell says Andy Farrell helped put any tension with Johnny Sexton to bed

Finn Russell has revealed that he buried the hatchet with Johnny Sexton with the help of Andy Farrell as the old foes join forces on the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.

Sexton has previously been critical of Russell, labelling him “flashy” and a “media darling”, while adding he would choose Owen Farrell over him against the Wallabies because the former England captain is a “Test match animal”.

And in his autobiography, the Ireland great confessed that it “kills me to this day” that he was overlooked in favour of Russell for the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa.

Now the former fly-half rivals are working together to plot the downfall of Australia, with Sexton acting as the Lions kicking skills coach and Russell in pole position to take the playmaking duties in the Test series.

Russell (right) says Farrell (left) has helped ease any tensions. PA Media

When they first linked up after the players involved in the Gallagher Premiership and United Rugby Championship finals arrived into camp earlier this week, any acrimony quickly faded.

“It’s just been bit of a craic. It was never a thing. When we came in, we had a laugh straight away and Andy kind of put it to bed so that was good,” Scotland international Russell said.

“Not that it was ever going to be an issue, I don’t believe. We’re all here with the same goal, which is to win the series.

“I’ve only been here a few days but it’s been good working with Johnny. I’m happy to bounce questions off him and chat to him about what he’s seeing.

“With the numbers we’ve had, he’s had to jump in sometimes so it’s been quite funny being on the same training side as him.