Rugby

Finn Russell left out of Scotland squad for England match

England expect to discover the full extent of Manu Tuilagi’s groin injury on Tuesday

Racing 92 outhalf Finn Russell will not be involved with Scotland against England next weekend. Photograph: Getty Images

Mon Feb 3 2020 - 16:12

Finn Russell will not be involved in Scotland's Guinness Six Nations clash against England on Saturday.

The Racing 92 outhalf missed Scotland’s 19-12 defeat to Ireland in Dublin on Saturday after being disciplined for breaching team rules last week following an alleged late-night drinking session at the Dark Blues’ team hotel.

Adam Hastings filled the fly-half role in Dublin, and Scotland's 37-man squad for England's Murrayfield visit also includes Worcester number 10 Duncan Weir, who was called up last week in place of Russell.

But there is no recall for 27-year-old playmaker Russell in head coach Gregor Townsend’s latest group.

READ MORE

And it will inevitably raise further questions about whether he will be involved at all in this season’s tournament.

Scotland, meanwhile, will again be without wing Darcy Graham, who remains sidelined due to a knee injury.

England lost on their last Calcutta Cup visit to Murrayfield in 2018, and they will arrive in the Scottish capital following a 24-17 defeat against France last Sunday.

Meanwhile George Ford admits England can ill afford to lose Manu Tuilagi for any of their remaining games as a groin problem threatens his ongoing involvement.

A comprehensive 24-17 defeat by France in Paris was compounded by the loss of Tuilagi in the 16th minute, and Eddie Jones is waiting for the results of medical checks with an update expected by Tuesday.

The Leicester centre’s departure robbed England of their most effective carrier and, given his international career was previously put on extended hold because of a serious groin injury, no risks will be taken ahead of the trip to Murrayfield.

He entered the Six Nations having played just one match in six weeks because of another groin issue and Ford, his Leicester team-mate, knows he is an indispensable part of the midfield.

“It was obviously disappointing for Manu. He’s a big player for us and it goes without saying what he brings to our game,” Ford said.

“Most importantly I hope he’s all right and that his injury isn’t too bad. I’m not too sure what it is specifically, but I’m sure he will do his best to get back out there.”

England name their team to face Scotland on Thursday, with Mako Vunipola in contention to start after being rested for the opening weekend.

LATEST STORIES