SCOTLAND take on England in the Six Nations after coming close to stunning Ireland in Dublin.
But they will have to manufacture a shock against Eddie Jones’ Red Rose without star fly-half Finn Russell.
RUSSELL will play no part in the Six Nations match against England at Murrayfield.
The Scot replaced Dan Carter at Racing 92 and has been one of his countries stand-out players over recent years.
He’s racked up 137 points over 46 games for the Scots and was part of the 2017 Lions tour Down Under.
But Russell’s international career hangs in the balance after it was claimed he breached squad rules and embarked on a drinking session at the team hotel ahead of the Six Nations opener.
The 27-year-old had flown up North from London after Racing had faced Saracens in the Champions Cup.
It’s understood Russell was asked repeatedly by team-mates and coaching staff to quit drinking but continued before leaving the team hotel to return home.
After failing to report for training on Monday morning, Russell held crisis talks with head coach Townsend.
It was then the nation’s star player was told he was out of the Ireland game.
It’s believed Russell was given the chance to remain with the rest of the squad and train as normal but he elected to fly back to France.
A Scotland team spokesperson confirmed: “Stand-off Finn 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.”
And Russell was also left out of the squad to face England at Murrayfield in their second Six Nations match.
However, Adam Hastings proved himself to be a capable depute against Ireland.
In the build-up to the Six Nations, Gregor Townsend did not rule out a return to the squad for Russell but he suggested he will have to dramatically change his behaviour.
The Scotland coach said: “Let’s see what happens over the next few weeks.
“Every individual has to align himself to what’s to the benefit of the team. If their actions are against that there will be consequences.
“Nothing is more important in sport than playing for your national team, even more than club level.
“To be with the team, to promote that team culture of togetherness, of high standards and responsibility for what you have when you’re wearing that thistle.
“Every player is reminded of that every time when they come into camp.
“Every player works hard to be given that opportunity to play for Scotland and that will always be the case.”
