Scotland leave out Finn Russell for England clash

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has left out of fly-half Finn Russell from the squad for the second round of the Six Nations clash against England to be played at BT Murrayfield Stadium.

The Racing 92 playmaker already missed the opening game of the tournament against Ireland after he was sanctioned following an alleged late-night drinking session during the training camp.

In the absence of Russell, Adam Hastings took the kicking responsibility against Ireland as the Dark Blues succumbed to a seven point defeat. Scotland's 37-man squad for the England clash includes Hastings along with Worcester Warriors' Duncan Weir, who was the replacement for Russell ahead of the opening game last week.

Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy confirmed that Townsend is in touch with Russell but is unclear about the 27-year-old's participation in the ongoing tournament.

"I think Gregor (Townsend) is in dialogue with Finn but I know through this period we have been after cohesion and as many players to do as many training sessions as we can," he said.

"I have no idea. That's as much as I know and as defence coach, I think I have enough to deal with.

"It's more about getting our systems up and running. I will leave that to the boss."

Following the 19-12 defeat to Ireland, Scotland are positioned fifth in the Six Nations table.