Finn Russell feeding inside information on French players

Playmaker Finn Russell may have been dismissed from the Scotland squad ahead of the opening game of the Six Nations but that hasn't stopped the Racing 92 pivot from helping the team with information about France’s players.

Scotland assistant coach Danny Wilson has revealed that Russell is helping the team with information about France’s players. With Wilson saying that he is hopeful peace has finally broken out between coach Gregor Townsend and Russell with the Racing 92 star having last featured for the side during the World Cup.

However, talks between the pair resumed last week and while it has been mutually agreed that Russell will wait until the summer tour to South Africa, he has at least now agreed to help the team out by sharing information on some of the players he has faced in the Top 14 with the Scots backroom staff.

“The fact that there has been some real good communication going on bodes really well for the future,” said Wilson.

“At the moment it’s about this group of players and staff focusing on the squad we’ve got here and the task in front of us. But it can only be good news that those conversations are far more positive and longer-term lead to Finn being back involved.”

France are on track to claim a Grand Slam but face Scotland in Edinburgh having already toppled England, Italy and Wales so far but Wilson hopes Russell’s insights will help thwart Fabien Galthie's efforts.

He said: “There has been a fair bit of communication with players who are in that position (of playing in France) and Finn is one of them.

“Obviously he has a real good insight into key individuals that he has played with and against and also on the psyche of that French team at the moment. So there is plenty of really good information that Finn can provide.”

The likes of Camille Chat, Boris Palu, Bernard Le Roux and Virmi Vakatawa all play their club rugby with Finn at Racing 92.