Flyhalf Finn Russell has left the Scotland squad under a disciplinary cloud after breaching team protocol.

Scottish Rugby confirmed that ‘Russell will play no further part in preparations for Scotland’s Six Nations opener against Ireland, having been disciplined for a breach of team protocol during the week’s camp in Edinburgh’. He has returned to his club.

However, some reports suggest the Racing 92 playmaker left the team’s training camp in Edinburgh of his own accord, and it appears that he may not feature at all in the Six Nations.

It’s undoubtedly a massive blow to Scotland’s Six Nations hopes just nine days before they kick off their campaign against Ireland in Dublin.

It also heaps further pressure on Scotland coach Gregor Townsend, who comes into the tournament off the back of a failed World Cup campaign.

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