Johnny Sexton is in store for a frosty reunion with Finn Russell just months after his criticism of the Scottish fly-half.
Russell has been selected in the 38-man British & Irish Lions squad for their summer tour of Australia.
The 32-year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s top fly-halfs, and has consistently performed well for Scotland from his 87 caps, where he has scored nine tries.
Russell, who plays for Gallagher Premiership side Bath Rugby, is set for his third trip with the Lions in June, with the latest squad featuring former Ireland captain Sexton on the coaching team.
However, the pair could be in line for an awkward reunion during the tour with Sexton being critical of the Stirling native in the past.
Writing in his book ‘Obsessed: The Autobiography’ via Ruck.co.uk, he spoke on the media’s perception of the fly-half in 2021.
He said: “Finn Russell was the darling of the media during that year’s Six Nations, but he didn’t look like a [Warren] Gatland player to me.
“If Gats [coach] was true to his ideals, I was in [the 2021 Lions squad].”
And during an October interview with The Times, Sexton was asked about who he’d select at fly-half against Australia this summer.
“I’d pick Owen Farrell,” he revealed. “Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test-match animals.
“I know who the media would want. Finn Russell, Marcus Smith, the flashy…”
Sexton seemingly backtracked on the ‘flashy’ label for England star Smith though, as he later called him a ‘generational talent’.
Lions assistant Sexton previously called Russell a ‘flashy’ playerGetty The pair will now work together for the Lions on their tourGetty Images - GettyBut this wasn’t the case for Russell, who will be coached by Sexton when the Lions travel to Australia in the summer.
Maro Itoje will captain the Lions side managed by Andy Farrell, a two-time Six Nations winner as Ireland head coach.
But he hasn’t included his son Owen, who decided to ‘take a break from international rugby’ in 2023 for his and his family’s well-being.
Farrell, a former England captain, is also ineligible for a return due to his move to French side Racing 92 last year.
Rules state that players who are picked for the Red Roses must play for clubs in the Gallagher Premiership.
talkSPORT are the audio broadcast partner for the British & Irish Lions tour in 2025, with ex-England boss Eddie Jones on the team.
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