Finn Russell's Glasgow exit won't affect Scotland form, says Dan McFarland
Monday 20 November 2017 17:27, UK
Scotland assistant coach Dan McFarland says Finn Russell's performances for club and country will not be affected by a move abroad.
The fly-half will leave Glasgow Warriors when his contract expires next summer, after being handed "the opportunity to take myself out of my comfort zone and experience a new culture and rugby".
It is not yet known what Russell's next destination will be, but the 25-year-old has been heavily linked with French giants Racing 92.
However, despite the uncertainty of his club future, McFarland believes that the playmaker will take the upheaval in his stride.
"No, he's playing for Scotland," said the Scots' forwards coach, who previously worked with Russell with the Warriors, as he shrugged off suggestions that speculation over his future might disrupt the stand-off.
"He wants to be the best that he can. He's competitive, he loves playing, loves training, so no [it won't disrupt him]."
If the 25-year-old does move to the Top 14 it could present Scotland boss Gregor Townsend problems, particularly concerning the unwillingness from big-spending French clubs to release their players for international duty for any more than the bare minimum set out by World Rugby.
Despite that, McFarland admits that it comes with the terrority of having a world-class player in the set-up.
"I would much rather see him playing for Glasgow - we all would - but it is what it is," he said.
"Finn is a world-class fly-half and can produce fantastic games. When we played in Australia last year he was a stand-out player. People all around the world will have looked at him and said, 'This is a match-winner'.
"He's a great character to have around, he's very relaxed and yet extremely competitive.
"He will definitely continue to grow. He is eager to learn and make improvements."
