Six Nations boost for Scotland as Russell returns for Racing 92’ s Euro tie
Finn Russell will make his comeback from injury in Racing 92’ s Heineken Champions Cup opener against Connacht this weekend.
The Scotland stand- off damaged his groin in the first half of Scotland’s win over Wales i n Llanelli i n October. His r eplacement, Adam Hastings, injured his shoulder in the second half and the visitors finished the match with Stuart Hogg at stand- off. The fear was that Scotland could be without both their firstchoice fly- halves for the start of the Six Nations but Russell’s return is a huge boost for club and country.
Gregor Townsend’s s i de open the championship away to England on 6 February.
Russell’s appearance against Wales was his first start for Scotland since falling out with Townsend on the even of last season’s Six Nations.
The pair have since repaired t h e i r r e l a t i o n s h i p a n d Townsend will welcome the earlier than expected return of arguably Scotland’s most
creative player. Racing, who were beaten finalists last season, host Connacht at the Paris La Defense Arena tomorrow.
I n other Champions Cup action this weekend, Pat Lam says he wants Bristol to be a club that "goes after the trophy" when t hey rejoin t he competition.
Bristol will end a 12- year wait for top- flight European action today, kicking off their campaign against French heavyweights Clermont Auvergne at Ashton Gate.
"As I've said to the players, the competition is not up there to be in it, it's up there to compete in and try to win it," he said.
"The goal is to get stars on that Bears jersey. I don't want us to be a club that just gets into Europe and is happy to be in it. We have got to be a club that goes after the trophy."
Sale Sharks begin life without Steve Diamond at the helm when they tackle three- time European champions Toulon in France today.
D i a mon d u n e x p e c t e d l y departed his post as rugby director earlier this week, leaving head coach Paul Deacon in charge for what is a testing tournament opener.
Asked i f Diamond going would impact the squad, Deacon said: "I can't say for certain whether it will or it won't.” "It is new to all of us and we have just got to crack on.”