Fears are growing that the Finn Russell issue runs far deeper than first thought

The impasse between Finn Russell and Gregor Townsend has carried on into another week after the fly-half was omitted from the 37-man squad for the Calcutta Cup match this weekend at Murrayfield. 

Russell went back to his club Racing 92 ahead of last weekend’s fixture against Ireland for breaching team protocol, which involved missing training after drinking the night before. 

While many understand Townsend’s thinking behind sanctioning him for such an indiscretion, as no player is bigger than the team, fears are mounting among fans that this situation may be more serious than it first appeared. 

While Townsend will receive a lot of criticism for this ordeal, many Scots feel these actions may be out of his control and that there is far more behind them than one night of drinking. 

While it is believed that Russell is yet to apologise for what he has done, he has a lot of history with Townsend and the Scottish Rugby Union and this may be part of the problem and why there is an apparent stalemate.

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Russell warned he must make the first move to salvage his Scotland career

Last year, Russell’s father Keith won an unfair dismissal case that he brought against the SRU for sacking him from his position as director of domestic rugby.

Also last year, there was a confrontation between the player and coach at half-time of the England match at Twickenham and the two have not seen eye to eye since then. Scotland’s poor showing at the Rugby World Cup may have only strained their relationship further.

https://twitter.com/bingomister/status/1224358049755869186?s=20

Not recalling Russell shows how deep the problems between him and management are. No disrespect to Hastings who played really well, but no way Russell gets left out again if the issues are a simple breach. Sadly, everyone loses out of this … especially the fans

— mark froome (@froomie53) February 3, 2020

Tell the £950k over paid chief exec to get things sort out with GT and FR. We need Finn Russell. If at all goes pear shape this 6 nations (yet again) then the disgruntled fans will want GT and Dodsons heads.

— Murrayfield (@SteveManson17) February 3, 2020

Finn Russell was one of my favourite players. All of this drama is making it seem like he’s not a team player and isn’t for the greater good of the Scottish jersey. Very disappointing he hasn’t put his mates and country above him. #finnrussell

— Jack (@TheJackFlorio) February 3, 2020

https://twitter.com/Taggsthegoalie/status/1224330542587568129?s=20

I'd imagine Finn Russell isn't there due to his own choices. No one will want to play him more than GT. Can lead a horse to water and all that..

— Chris Veal (@LGirraffe) February 3, 2020

Fortunately from Scotland’s perspective, Adam Hastings had a good game against Ireland in Dublin last Saturday and is a worthy replacement even though Russell is a talent capable of lighting up the Six Nations. 

The Glasgow Warriors ten may need to get used to starting for Scotland for the foreseeable future, as there seems to be no resolution in this situation. 

WATCH: Stuart Hogg and Gregor Townsend speak to the media following Scotland’s 19-12 loss to Ireland in Dublin