Finn Russell joins the Scotland squad with Adam Hastings returning to Gloucester after failing an HIA during the game against Fiji.
George Turner remains with the team as preparations continue for Sunday’s game against New Zealand.
Reports yesterday had suggested that Scotland head coach had approached England U20 playmaker Fin Smith as his first choice to replace Russell.
“I have spoken to Fin a few times, prior to this summer and also over the last couple of months,” revealed Townsend.
“He got a bad injury in training so has only been available for his new club Northampton for the last couple of months.
“It has been great having conversations with him. He is a young man but he is very mature and understands the game and has very strong links to Gala so that is always a good thing,
“He will maybe have to make a decision sooner than people think because he is a very good player,
“I am sure England will be after him as well. He hadn’t played till last week so his focus will be with his new club and getting back playing again in the middle of the November Tests so I would imagine his conversion with us and England will continue after this November period.”
Scotland next Sunday host a New Zealand side who on Saturday crushed Wales 55-23 in Cardiff.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Former England winger now plays in the fifth tier aged 37
- Joe Marler unrecognisable as he’s transformed into ‘Trixie Turnover’
- Joe Launchbury will confirm move overseas after failing to find a Premiership club
- Peter O’Mahony delivers yet another brutal dig during South Africa win
- Rugby star Levi Davis has been reported missing
RANKED: Which 2022 Autumn Squad Has the Most Foreign-Born Players?
RUCK takes an in-depth look at the foreign-born players in each of the home nations Autumn Nations Series squad, and where they were born. It’s an interesting list for sure.
#4. IRELAND – 8: One more than 2021
- Jeremy Loughman (USA)
- Rob Herring (South Africa)
- Finlay Bealham (Australia)
- Joe McCarthy (USA)
- Jamison Gibson-Park (New Zealand)
- Joey Carbery (New Zealand)
- Ciaran Frawley (Australia)
- Mack Hansen (Australia)
