From stonemason to rugby star, find out more about the No 10

Scotland‘s Finn Russell is a fly-half known for his attacking instincts. This highlights video shows how he can mix his kicks, flicks and tricks to create try-scoring opportunities for himself and his team-mates while below we tell you more about the No 10.

Russell has won 75 international caps, debuted for the Lions in 2021, and has gotten off to a fine start with Bath Rugby after joining them in the wake of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Ten things you should know about Finn Russell

1. Finn Russell was born on 23 September 1992 in Stirling. He stands at 6ft (182cm) tall and weighs 13st 10lb (87kg).

2. He worked for three years as a stonemason after secondary school while playing amateur rugby. Speaking of this period with The Scottish Sun, Russell said: “On rainy days it could be pretty miserable… It could be tough but I enjoyed it.

“I’d be making windowsills, door frames, fire places – even building walls. But compared to playing rugby, it’s night and day. If I ever have a bad day at training, I think back to what it was like working in that cold shed.”

Related: Finn Russell Interview – “As long as I’ve got a smile on my face…”

3. In 2013, Russell received the John Macphail Scholarship and spent 15 weeks playing rugby for local clubs in Christchurch, New Zealand. He also received specialist coaching at the Canterbury RFU’s international high performance unit.

4. Russell can juggle – as can most of his family judging by this video…

5. He’s been nicknamed ‘The Muscle’ because he is so skinny.

6. He made his first start for Glasgow Warriors against Newport Gwent Dragons during the 2013-14 season and played an influential role in Glasgow’s Pro12 triumph in 2014-15.

7. Russell’s first call-up for Scotland came for their summer tour of North America in 2014 and he made his Test debut against the USA in Houston. His first international try came against Ireland in the 2015 Six Nations.

8. He made his 50th Test appearance against Georgia in October 2020. That was also his first match for Scotland since the 2019 World Cup after a fallout with coach Gregor Townsend meant he wasn’t involved with the national squad at the start of 2020. Come the 2021 Six Nations, he was back in the fold and helped Scotland beat England at Twickenham for the first time since 1983.

9. Russell became a father in 2022, having a daughter with partner Emma Canning, a heptathlete.

10. Ahead of the 2023 Six Nations, Russell was named co-captain of Scotland, alongside back-rower Rory Darge.

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