Russell omitted by Scotland for autumn internationals

Flyhalf Finn Russell has been omitted from Scotland's squad for November's internationals and Stuart Hogg stripped of the captaincy as flanker Jamie Ritchie was named to lead the team in tests against Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina.

Russell, once seen as a talisman for the team, was left out as coach Gregor Townsend on Wednesday recalled Adam Hastings and looked to continue with Blair Kinghorn at flyhalf after his strong performances in the mid-year tests against Argentina.

Russell, who would have missed the first test against Australia at Murrayfield on Oct 29 due to it falling outside of the test window, has had a frosty relationship with the coach since walking out on the squad prior to the Six Nations in 2020 when he publicly criticised Townsend's methods.

He returned after patching up his differences but was dropped for this year's Six Nations finale against Ireland after being one of six players on an unauthorised night out at an Edinburgh bar, and then rested for the tour of Argentina.

"Finn Russell is someone who has played a lot for us in the past and has missed out. It is a challenge for him to show his form and consistency (at club level) over the next few weeks," Townsend told a news conference.

Hogg returns after also missing the three test series in Argentina but with Ritchie now skippering the side.

"For Stuart, who's been a very good captain for us over the last three seasons and led us to some great victories, we see this as an opportunity for him to play his best rugby and focus on that," added Townsend.

"We believe he's our best player and that's what we want to get him to be over the next 12 months. As you can imagine, he cares so much about leading Scotland, he was disappointed.

"But he's got behind the team and Jamie. We see a lot of captain and leadership qualities in Jamie, we have for a while."

Scotland have handed a first call up to former Australia international Jack Dempsey, who qualifies through his Scottish grandfather.

The loose forward won 14 caps for the Wallabies but is allowed to switch allegiance under World Rugby's birthright transfer rules following a three-year cooling off period.

Stafford McDowall is the only uncapped player in the backs and earns his call-up after impressing at Glasgow Warriors.

Squad:

Forwards: Ewan Ashman (Sale Sharks), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors), Dave Cherry (Edinburgh), Andy Christie (Saracens), Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh), Scott Cummings, Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson (all Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray (Exeter Chiefs), Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors), Nick Haining, WP Nel, Jamie Ritchie, Pierre Schoeman, Sam Skinner (all Edinburgh), Rory Sutherland (Ulster), George Turner, Murphy Walker (both Glasgow Warriors), Hamish Watson (Edinburgh)

Backs: Mark Bennett, Darcy Graham (both Edinburgh), Chris Harris, Adam Hastings (both Gloucester), Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs), George Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Damien Hoyland, Blair Kinghorn (both Edinburgh), Stafford McDowall, Rufus McLean, Ali Price (all Glasgow Warriors), Cameron Redpath (Bath), Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn, Ross Thompson, Sione Tuipulotu (all Glasgow), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (London Irish).