Scotland star Russell fit to face England in Six Nations

The National Times - Scotland star Russell fit to face England in Six Nations

SPORTS 20.02.2025

Scotland star Russell fit to face England in Six Nations / Photo: © AFP/File

Scotland co-captain Finn Russell has been passed fit to play against England in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday following a concussion.

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Fly-half Russell and wing Darcy Graham collided, clashed heads and had to leave the field during Scotland's 32-18 second-round loss to Ireland at Murrayfield on February 9.

While key playmaker Russell has been given the green light, Graham has been ruled out.

A Scottish Rugby Union statement said Russell had been included "having successfully progressed through the World Rugby protocols following his concussion against Ireland".

Kyle Rowe replaces Graham on the wing. Scotland coach Gregor Townsend also makes two changes to his pack as former skipper Jamie Ritchie replaces Matt Fagerson in the front row. Pierre Schoeman takes over for Rory Sutherland in the back.

Sutherland and Fagerson are both on the bench in a 6-2 split. Jamie Dobie and Stafford McDowall -- who came on for Graham and Russell against Ireland -- are once more the two replacement backs.

Calcutta Cup-holders Scotland will be bidding for their fifth successive win over England on Saturday, a feat they last achieved back in the 1890s.

England coach Steve Borthwick named his side for the 143rd edition of rugby union's oldest international fixture on Tuesday.

Both teams have won one and lost one in the opening two rounds, with England going down to champions Ireland before edging France 26-25 and Scotland starting the tournament with a 31-19 victory over Italy.

Scotland 15-1)

Blair Kinghorn; Kyle Rowe, Huw Jones, Tom Jordan, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell (co-capt), Ben White; Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge (co-capt), Jamie Ritchie; Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray; Zander Fagerson, Dave Cherry, Pierre Schoeman

Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, Will Hurd, Sam Skinner, Gregor Brown, Matt Fagerson, Jamie Dobie, Stafford McDowall

Coach: Gregor Townsend (SCO)

S.Collins--TNT

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The National Times - Scotland star Russell fit to face England in Six Nations