‘Russell & Sexton can shelve differences for Lions’

Finn Russell and Johnny Sexton are “completely different characters,” according to former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw, who believes the pair can put their differences to rest and work together on the British and Irish Lions tour this summer.

Sexton has previously expressed disapproval of Russell, who has been drafted into Andy Farrell’s backroom team for the Australian tour.

The Ireland legend claimed that Warren Gatland’s choice to choose the Scot over him during the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa in his autobiography.

Laidlaw, who was a member of Sexton and Russell’s Lions squad in 2017, is unable to see a situation where his former Scotland team-mate is selected for Farrell’s squad.

According to Laidlaw, “Finn is undoubtedly going to be on that tour,” Laidlaw told BBC Scotland.

“I believe he will find success there based on merit.” He has been fantastic, played well in the third Test, and went on the previous trip.

He is a top player, has excelled for Bath, and is “flying high in the Premiership.”

“I think it lends more to that coaching staff, including Owen Farrell, Richard Wigglesworth, and Jonny Sexton, I believe. That is likely to occur, in my opinion.

“I still see Finn going, probably those two plus Sam Prendergast,” I said. I don’t understand why he won’t be a part of the squad, therefore.

Despite their opposing personalities, Laidlaw believes he could work with Russell despite taking a close look at Sexton during his 2017 tour of New Zealand.

Sexton was the “urgent competitor,” Laidlaw, who trains with the Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan, said.

On that trip, I had the honor of spending time with him, and I definitely learned a lot from him.

He simply isn’t Finn like Finn, though. He obviously takes things seriously. He is simply completely unique.