Scotland fly-half Finn Russell was spotted out of camp today as he made a trip to an award-winning bakery in his Aston Martin.
Baynes is a third generation family bakery, with its roots in Lochore, Fife. Russell will earn his 64th cap against New Zealand on Sunday after being recalled to the Scotland XV.
One user wrote on Twitter: ‘Gregor Townsend, on the radio literally two hours ago; “Finn’s in the best physical shape I’ve seen in ages and he’s been so professional since he’s been back in camp” Finn; “who’s up for macaroni pies in the Aston Martin?”‘
The Racing 92 fly-half was originally omitted from the autumn internationals poo
“Finn’s been excellent,” said Townsend, when asked how the fly-half had slotted back into the international set-up for the first time since March.
“He’s got other things going on in his life which are very important – his partner Emma is close to giving birth – but he’s been very professional. He’s trained well, he’s led the attack very well.”
Finn Russell confirms he wants to be ‘back on the tools’ when he retires
Sometimes we should take time to appreciate those International rugby stars who plied their trade elsewhere before hitting the jackpot in the game we all love.
In an era where you only make it if you dedicate your life to it, it’s rare to find players who just months prior to their professional career were grinding the 9-5.
With that in mind, here are five international rugby stars who worked hard before making it big…
#1. Finn Russell (Scotland) – Stonemason
After secondary school, the Scotland star pursued an apprenticeship for three years as a stonemason, in a business owned by a family friend, whilst his rugby developed.
Pocketing £300 per week, supplemented by £50 in his hand from Falkirk Rugby Club, Russell is now one of the pre-eminent stand-offs in world rugby and certainly one of the most exciting.
“On rainy days it could be pretty miserable. . . . It could be tough but I enjoyed it,” said Russell.
“I’d be making windowsills, door frames, fire places – even building walls. But compared to playing rugby, it’s night and day. If I ever have a bad day at training, I think back to what it was like working in that cold shed.
“I would like to return to some sort of trade though when I retire.”
