Glasgow Warriors: Finn Russell to miss start of the season

Russell is still recovering from a head injury sustained in May. Picture: Ian Rutherford

The 23-year-old Scotland playmaker was badly hurt in an accidental clash of heads with team-mate Zander Fagerson during Glasgow’s last match of the season in May - the Guinness Pro12 semi-final defeat to Connacht in Galway. It meant he missed the national team’s tour to Japan and he is not expected to be back in action for his club until a few weeks into the new season.

“We don’t expect him to play in the first two or three games of the season,” said Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend.

“We’ll just see what happens over the next few weeks.”

Russell spent around a week in Irish hospitals after the injury before flying home to recover.

“He’s working on skills, he’s very keen to be involved,” added Townsend.

“Everything has gone well so far with his recovery, but obviously we’re being very cautious on when he can come back to training with the team and also full training.

“So far his progress has been really good.”