Finn Russell and Johnny Sexton: The chemistry of British and Irish rugby
The talented Finn Russell has downplayed any potential tension with Johnny Sexton, as both prepare to collaborate on the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia.
Sexton, a rugby legend who retired after the 2023 World Cup, joins the Lions’ coaching staff for this summer. This new role will reunite him with Russell, his former rival on the field.
“It was just a bit of a joke, I suppose. It was never a problem,” Russell commented.
Finn Russell
Recently, Sexton has expressed that the previous comments were “taken out of context” and that he is excited to work with Russell, who arrives after guiding Bath to the Gallagher Premiership title.
“When we met, we laughed immediately, and Andy [Farrell] sorted it out, which was good. I don’t think it was going to be a problem. I think we’re all here with the same goal: to win the series,” added Russell.Johnny Sexton y Finn Russell buscarán guiar a su equipo hacia la victoria en la serie contra Australia. Brendan Moran/Sportsfile vía Getty ImagesRussell, who recently signed a new contract with Bath until 2028, is optimistic about his role in the tour. This will be his third participation in the Lions.
“I think that, as a collective, as a group, we have established our own standards of what we want to do on this tour and how we want to be remembered,” Russell stated.
“I think all the players and everyone have deserved a place on this tour. It’s about going out and being themselves. I enjoy doing it.”
“We’ve talked about what we want to be and who we represent. But I think the main thing is to go out and not think too much. Don’t change anything, just go out and be yourself,” Russell added.
Russell expects the Lions to show an attacking style of play in Australia. “With Andy and the coaching staff we have here, we hope to play fast and fluid rugby. Obviously, there is a lot of structure, but sometimes, if there is no structure, we are also happy to play unstructured rugby,” he explained.
Russell missed the Lions’ 28-24 defeat to Argentina in Dublin on Friday. Farrell’s team will now travel to Australia before their match against Western Force next Saturday.
