Premier One clubs chase Russell deal

Scotland under-20 centre Finn Russell is set to create a signing scramble among Premier Division One clubs when he returns home after Friday’s ninth place play-off against Samoa at the World Junior championships in South Africa.

Apprentice stone-mason Russell has been turning out for Falkirk, who finished last season in Premier C division, but admits that to fulfil ambitions of a professional career he will have to seek out the toughest possible weekly competition.

The Stirling County-reared player told the Evening News before leaving for the championships: “I needed a change to get game time at top-team level and Falkirk have been very good to me.

“I hope they understand I am going to play Premier Division One next season although, as to where, I am keeping my options open.”

The versatile Russell was among the try scorers when Scotland booked their place against Samoa with a 34-17 victory over Italy.

However, those scoring exploits were surpassed by Edinburgh Accies winger Jamie Farndale whose double took his tournament try total to three. Farndale is already on Edinburgh’s books and debuted in the Pro 12 from off the bench against Cardiff last season.