Fly-half Finn Russell left out by Scotland following latest fall out

The Racing 92 fly-half is unavailable for the first match against Australia which falls outside the Test window.

However, according to the BBC, it's understood Scotland coach Townsend plans to go into the subsequent matches against Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina without Russell.

The relationship between the mercurial fly-half and Russell has been strained in recent times.

The 30-year-old walked out of the Scotland squad in early 2020 ahead of the Six Nations, criticising Townsend’s coaching methods.

He was also dropped from the Scotland team for the final match of the 2022 Six Nations against Ireland on the back of being one of six players who went on unauthorised night out in Edinburgh.

Russell was also subsequently omitted, reportedly rested, from the squad that toured Argentina over the summer.

Edinburgh's Blair Kinghorn is likely to be handed the number 10 shirt, with the squad announced later today.

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Main Image credit: Flassig Reiner

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...

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."

After being released by Harlequins aged 18, the future England second-row ended up getting a job in the local Sainsbury's to ensure he could continue his rugby career with National 2 North side Worthing. He worked in the bakery section and says it was a 'good grounding' for him and made him appreciate what hard work is 

Mustachioed man mountain propl Tu'inukuafe has gone from 27-stone nightclub bouncer to Test tyro. He only made his Super Rugby debut lain 2018 but has already racked up 24 caps for the All Blacks.

Before securing a professional contract, the future England superstar served an apprenticeship under his Granddad as a painter and decorator. The 24-year-old, who likes keeping busy, hasn't ruled out a return to the trade when his rugby days are done.