Gregor Townsend calls Finn Russell in to Scotland squad to replace Adam Hastings

Head coach Gregor Townsend has called Finn Russell to the Scotland squad to replace Adam Hastings.

Hastings had to withdraw from the squad and return to Gloucester Rugby after suffering knee and whiplash injuries in Saturday’s 28-12 win over Fiji.

Russell had been left out of the original squad for the Autumn Tests, with Townsend saying that the Racing 92 player’s “form and consistency” had been behind his omission. The coach and player have had a difficult relationship previously.

Speaking after the weekend’s win, Townsend revealed that he had not spoken to Russell since naming his original squad but that there was nothing unusual about that.

“If people are not in the squad, I don’t phone them up regularly unless there’s something to talk about,” hthe head coach said. “But I’d imagine he’d be available.

“He was disappointed not to be in the squad. If we decide to bring another ten, he’ll be one of the ones we’ll be looking at.”

Russell will now train with the squad and be considered for inclusion in the team to face New Zealand on Sunday.

Finn Russell joins the Scotland squad with Adam Hastings returning to his club. George Turner remains with the team as preparations continue for Sunday’s game against New Zealand.#AsOne pic.twitter.com/1pbyykIOKe
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 7, 2022