Finn Russell responds to Johnny Sexton criticism ahead of Lions tour
Rugby NewsSaturday, 31 May 2025 at 19:51
Johnny Sexton may have hung up his boots, but he’s still taking shots—this time at Finn Russell.
Before becoming part of the British and Irish Lions coaching team for their summer tour to Australia, Sexton didn't hold back when discussing his own omission from the 2021 Lions squad, and of course, his thoughts on Russell.
Sexton’s Lions Legacy: A Legend with Something to Prove
Sexton may have swapped the famous red jersey for a coaching clipboard, but he’s still got plenty to say about the Lions, their No.10 selection, and the players involved. After two iconic Lions tours, Sexton has the experience to back up his opinions. But not everyone agrees with him—most notably, Finn Russell.
Sexton Reflects on His Lions Snub: "It Kills Me"
In his reflections on missing out on the 2021 Lions tour, Sexton didn’t hold back. The former Ireland fly-half admitted that the decision still stings, saying it "kills" him to this day. But the real drama came when he started talking about other players, including Finn Russell, who did make the squad.
“I think Finn Russell was the darling of the media during that year’s Six Nations, but he didn’t look like a Gatland player to me," Sexton wrote. "If Gats was true to his ideals, I was in."
That’s a shot fired directly at Russell—and it’s hard not to feel the tension bubbling.
Sexton Fires Again: Farrell Over Russell, Always
Fast forward to 2023, and Sexton’s still making his opinions known. When asked about who should wear the No.10 jersey for the 2025 Lions tour to Australia, Sexton didn’t hesitate. His pick? Owen Farrell, of course. But in classic Sexton style, he couldn’t resist throwing in a cheeky jab at Russell.
“I’d pick Owen Farrell. Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test-match animals,” Sexton said. "I know who the media would want—Finn Russell, Marcus Smith, the flashy..."
But wait—he didn’t leave Marcus Smith in the “flashy” category. He spared him from that particular label. But Russell? He was still in the firing line.
Russell Responds: ‘I’m Not Stressed’
Russell, never one to shy away from a challenge, wasn’t about to let Sexton’s comments slide. In a cool response, the Scotland star shrugged off the criticism, saying he doesn’t really know Sexton well enough to care.
“If he has any comments on me, I’m not too stressed about it,” Russell told The Telegraph.
But Russell didn’t stop there. The 31-year-old then went all-in defending his style of play, claiming that it’s not just some magical, off-the-cuff move. "It’s not always off the cuff and lucky," Russell said, pushing back against the notion that his creative brilliance is just spontaneous. For Russell, those jaw-dropping moments come from hours of hard work, opponent analysis, and a well-honed game plan.
Russell’s Secret Sauce: Hard Work, Not Luck
Russell might be known for his maverick style, but he’s not just improvising on the fly. According to the Scotland fly-half, every daring pass and eye-catching play is the result of in-depth analysis, countless hours on the training pitch, and building strong partnerships with teammates.
“It might seem off the cuff for a lot of people, but that’s the images I see on the pitch. It’s not risky; it’s my style of play," Russell explained. “It’s all about building knowledge of the game and analyzing the opposition."
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Standby Lions Squad Revealed – Owen Farrell Among Reserves
Andy Farrell has named his 38-man British & Irish Lions squad for the 2025 tour to Australia – but the real squad is always bigger. Injuries are inevitable, and history shows the late call-ups often end up as key Test performers.
Just look at 2013. Alex Corbisiero wasn’t selected initially, but after Cian Healy's injury, he flew in and ended up starting the first and third Tests – even scoring in the series decider.
So, who’s most likely to get the call this time? Sky Sports have named Farrell's likely "Standby Lions Squad,"
Standby Watch: Lions 2025
1. Owen Farrell – Fly-half/Centre (England)
- Reason: Farrell stepped back from England duties in 2024 and moved to Racing 92 in France, making him unavailable for the Six Nations. Although highly experienced and a former Lions captain, his recent absence from international competition and possible shift in priorities likely influenced his omission from the main squad. However, his leadership and versatility still make him an ideal standby.
2. Jamie George – Hooker (England)
- Reason: The current England captain had a strong Six Nations, but with rising competition at hooker and his age (mid-30s), selectors may have leaned towards fresher options for the tour. George’s experience and consistent set-piece reliability keep him high on the standby list.
3. Jack Willis – Back-row (England/France)
- Reason: Playing in France (Toulouse) limited his England involvement due to RFU policy. Still, he's one of the most destructive breakdown players in Europe. His form in the Top 14 keeps him in contention, especially if an injury occurs to a fetcher-style flanker.
4. Darcy Graham – Wing (Scotland)
- Reason: Electrifying in attack but has struggled with injuries over the past 12 months. With several in-form wings available, he narrowly missed the squad. If fit and firing, he’s a lethal finisher and a great standby asset.
5. Ben White – Scrum-half (Scotland)
- Reason: Solid Six Nations performances but overshadowed by others like Jamison Gibson-Park and Tomos Williams. White is a steady and intelligent player, offering excellent depth if an injury hits the main scrum-half trio.
6. Craig Casey – Scrum-half (Ireland)
- Reason: The Munster man is seen as one for the future. With Conor Murray aging and Casey impressing domestically, he's on standby as a developing talent who can step in with high energy and tempo.
7. George Ford – Fly-half (England)
- Reason: A proven tactician and game manager but possibly overlooked due to Farrell’s experience and Marcus Smith’s flair. Still, Ford’s cool head and strategic kicking game make him a dependable option if needed.
8. Robbie Henshaw – Centre (Ireland)
- Reason: A 2021 Lion and long-standing midfield rock, but recent injury setbacks and the rise of players like Bundee Aki and Ollie Lawrence edged him out. Henshaw’s versatility and big-match experience earn him a place on standby.
9. Sam Prendergast – Fly-half (Ireland)
- Reason: A rising star and seen as Ireland’s long-term 10. While still inexperienced at senior international level, his raw talent and playmaking vision make him a developmental pick on standby – and a serious consideration for the future.
10. Blair Murray – Full-back (Scotland)
- Reason: A surprise name for some, Murray has shown strong form and promise with Edinburgh. Likely included for his pace, counter-attacking threat, and utility value across the back three. He's a development player who may be blooded for the next tour.
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
If you’re over 30 and can’t name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it’s time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we’d rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby’s golden era. If the names don’t come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.
Think you’ve got what it takes to ace this one? Let’s find out. Good luck!
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