Finn Russell is one of our most talented rugby players and has been dominating the Six Nations competition this year with his exceptional form.
Scotland's win against Wales in the Six Nations rugby tournament was a historic moment for the Scottish team and its fans. With a convincing final score of 35-7, Scotland secured its place as a top-performing team in the tournament. The tournament has a week off before Scotland visits France in round three.
The victory was vital to Gregor Townsend's side, as it marks the first time Scotland won their opening two games in the Championship since 1996 when it was only the Five Nations. One of the key players in Scotland's victory was Finn Russell, who orchestrated his team’s four-try second-half annihilation of Wales. His latest magnificent display came in Scotland's destruction of Wales, spearheading Scotland’s drive for a first championship title in 24 years.
From a forgotten player who was left out of the initial squad for the autumn internationals, Russell has managed to look back to his brilliant best.
Who is Finn Russell?
Finn Russell is a Scottish rugby union player who has significantly impacted the game in recent years. Born on February 20, 1993, in Stirling, Scotland, Russell started playing rugby at a young age and went on to play for the Stirling County Rugby Football Club. He quickly gained recognition for his natural talent and unique playing style and was eventually picked up by the Glasgow Warriors in 2012.
Over the years, Russell has established himself as one of the most exciting and creative fly halves in world rugby, earning him numerous accolades and a reputation as one of the game's most gifted players. He is also a proud Scot, and his love for Scotland is evident in his performances for the national team.
According to the Daily Record, Russell worked for three years as a stonemason after secondary school while playing amateur rugby. Russell said of this period with The Scottish Sun:
'On rainy days it could be pretty miserable… It could be tough but I enjoyed it.'
Family is his motivation
Since 2017, Russell has been in a relationship with Emma Canning, a Scottish heptathlete. In November 2022 Canning gave birth to the couple's first child, a daughter named Charlie.
Russell told the Telegraph how his partner and child help him achieve his best form:
'I’ve matured since my partner fell pregnant and the baby arrived [in November]. It gave me a new responsibility straight away. It wasn’t just me, it was three of us. That helped.'
The star continued, saying that family helps him put on the finest display for his country:
'The last 4½ years I’ve been in Paris on my own. My partner moved over just after the Six Nations last year, and having someone with me day in and day out... well I needed that. It’s a big factor in how I’m playing just now. This was the next step in life and I think I’ve adapted well. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me.'
Newfound harmony with the head coach
After earning plaudits for his virtuoso performance, Russell reiterated that he and Scotland's head coach, Greg Townsend, are getting on better than ever before.
The 30-year-old candidly shares that he and Townsend are now 'on the same page' after hiccups along the way. And the secret to his sensational form is that Russell is allowed to 'express himself':
'There were a few things I may not have been happy with, or he might not have been happy with. It wasn’t a case of clearing the air, it was more about us getting back on the same page and being open and honest with each other as to where he is at mentally with his game plan and how he wants things to run, and me having my input and saying what I think. Me and Gregor are in a much better place now than where we were a year ago. We are on the same page and I’m allowed to express myself. Not that I wasn’t before but I think the way that me and Gregor are working together is really helping me.'
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