Finn Russell will not feature for Scotland in the games against France and Wales, but will return to the team in the summer.
The fly-half was stood down from the squad after breaching team protocols but it’s now seems increasingly likely he will return to international rugby.
According to reports, there have been a number of positive telephone conversations between the pair.
Two last Sunday and another last Tuesday have led to the Racing 92 playmaker confirming will return to the fold.
He will be expected to make his playing comeback against world champions South Africa in Cape Town in July, regardless of whether Townsend is still in charge or not.
It’s also believed that Russell will be involved in a Scotland coaches’ meeting by conference call this week to give his insights into the French team and key players ahead of the game against them next Sunday at BT Murrayfield.
HIGHEST PAID SIX NATIONS PLAYERS:
IRELAND
- Conor Murray (Munster) – £565,000
- Johnny Sexton (Leinster) – £536,000
- Paddy Jackson (London Irish) – £500,000
