Gregor Townsend delivers update on Finn Russell

Scotland coach in regular contact with stand-off

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend with Finn Russell. Picture: Gary Hutchison/SNS

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has delivered an upbeat assessment of Finn Russell's international prospects after admitting he had been in regular contact with the stand-off in recent weeks.

Russell was dropped from the squad for Scotland's Guinness Six Nations opener following a disciplinary issue and did not feature before the tournament was halted just before their final match.

Speaking in a conference call, Townsend said: "We talked during the Six Nations and we talked after the Six Nations and we have been in regular contact during lockdown.

"Players and coaches sometimes don't have relationships that are the same all the way through.

"I suppose it's like being in a family, you have highs and lows, you have periods when you don't understand them and they don't understand you."

Russell publicly opened up on his difficulties with his former Glasgow head coach during the Six Nations but Townsend gave every indication that the Racing 92 player would be back on the international scene when rugby resumes.

"The important thing is we leave the door open for players and we make an effort to connect and build relationships with our players," he said. "We want everybody available to us.

"I'm sure Finn is really keen to be available and playing for Scotland, as are we with him."