Finn Russell available for Scotland selection - Gregor Townsend

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has backed fly-half Finn Russell to make a return to the national side after he was left out of the Six Nations tournament earlier this year.

The 27-year-old last featured for the Dark Blues during the World Cup last year and was removed from the squad ahead of the Six Nations opener against Ireland following an alleged late-night drinking session during the training camp.

Immediately after the sacking, Russell opened about his strained relationship with Townsend and felt he might not be able to return to Scotland as long as the latter is in charge of the side.

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

"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.

"The important thing is we leave the door open for players and we make an effort to connect and build relationships with our players.

"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."