Finn Russell believes that his turbulent history with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has ultimately strengthened their relationship.<\/p>\n
The 32-year-old fly-half and Townsend have had their clashes, but both insist those days are behind them as they aim to drive Scotland forward.<\/p>\n
Join the\u00a0RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n Their most notable bust-up came in 2020, when Russell left the squad ahead of the Six Nations after being disciplined for missing training following a drinking session.<\/p>\n Two years later, his international future was in doubt again after another unauthorised night out during the Six Nations. He was then left out of the squad for the autumn tests \u2013 a move that raised eyebrows across the rugby world.<\/p>\n Clear-the-air talks followed, leading to Russell\u2019s recall, and since then the pair have been \u201con the same page.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think 2020 would have been the closest to that,\u201d Russell said when asked if he ever thought his Scotland career was over.<\/p>\n \u201cI was still young enough then that I wouldn\u2019t have said I\u2019d have been done (with Scotland), but with the relationship me and Gregor had, it was potentially tough at the time to see a way back for both of us, but I think it shows how well we\u2019ve both dealt with it since then.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the time, it wasn\u2019t great for either side, but it shows both our characters that we\u2019ve managed to get over that to where we are now. Going back to 2020, you wouldn\u2019t have picked me as captain three or four years later, would you?<\/p>\n \u201cIt shows how we\u2019ve both changed and adapted off the back of that situation. These things happen in high-pressure environments when things are potentially not going as planned.<\/p>\n \u201cA bust-up happened, that\u2019s kind of all it was, but six months later we were back on good enough terms that I then came back that November.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd then in 2022, there was another slight fall-out again I suppose, but then I came back again in the November and we were both back on the same page. It\u2019s been great since then, that\u2019s all in the past. It\u2019s not something me and Gregor talk about much.\u201d<\/p>\n EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n Updated 2027 Rugby World Cup Draw: England to Face Tournament Debutants<\/p>\n In a historic shift for the global game,\u00a0Rugby World Cup 2027\u00a0in\u00a0Australia\u00a0will feature\u00a024 teams, a bold move by\u00a0World Rugby\u00a0aimed at making the sport more inclusive, competitive, and truly global.<\/p>\n The tournament\u2019s structure and timing now better reflect current global rankings, thanks to a late pool draw in December this year made possible by reforms in 2022.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a breakdown of the\u00a0predicted groups\u00a0and\u00a0team bios\u00a0for the RWC 2027:<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfc6\u00a0Group A<\/p>\n South Africa\u00a0\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 Argentina\u00a0\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddf7 Samoa\u00a0\ud83c\uddfc\ud83c\uddf8 Tonga\u00a0\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf4 \ud83c\udf0d\u00a0Group B<\/p>\n New Zealand\u00a0\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddff Scotland\u00a0\ud83c\udff4 Japan\u00a0\ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5 Chile\u00a0\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf1 CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.<\/p>\n
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they\u2019re known for big-game upsets.<\/p>\n
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa\u2019s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.<\/p>\n
The \u2018Ikale Tahi\u2019 bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.<\/p>\n
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction\u2014three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.<\/p>\n
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.<\/p>\n
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.<\/p>\n
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.<\/p>\n