Finn Russell selected for 2021 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa

The 28-year old, who now plays his club rugby with French side Racing 92, was one of eight Scots picked in the 37 man squad.

He joins national teammates Chris Harris, Stuart Hogg, Ali Price, Duhan van der Merwe, Zander Fagerson, Rory Sutherland and Hamish Watson along with players from England, Wales and Ireland who will all travel for the tour.

The Lions will face world champions South Africa over a three test series in July and August.

Prior to the tour, the first match is scheduled to take place at BT Murrayfield in June as the Lions take on Japan in their first match on British soil since 2005 and their first ever match in Scotland.

After that they set off for South Africa and being their schedule of warm up matches against club side DHL Stormers in Cape Town on July 3.

They will also face South Africa “International”, Cell C Sharks, South Africa “A” and Vodacom Bulls prior to the first test against the Springboks on July 24.

Eight players being named in the initial squad is a considerable improvement for Scotland compared to previous tours.

Russell was a late call up to the 2017 tour of New Zealand and, although played his part in the the 31-31 draw with Super Rugby champions Hurricanes as replacement for Wales counterpart Dan Biggar, he did not feature in any of the Test matches.