Russell can’t wait to welcome fans back to BT Murrayfield

Russell is already looking forward to the Autumn Nations Series and another chance to face the Springboks, following last weekend’s narrow defeat in the red of the British & Irish Lions.

Scotland face Tonga, Australia, South Africa and Japan on consecutive weekends from Saturday 30 October.

With just over two months to go until the first match against Tonga, Russell has his eyes firmly set on the games against Australia and South Africa, but admits all four games will be big tests for Gregor Townsend’s men.

Speaking on this week’s Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, he said: “We’ve got the November tests coming up and it’ll be good to play the Springboks again.

“I caught up with Gregor [Townsend] quickly after the game [third Lions test v South Africa] and it’s good for us to have played against them and to see how you can actually play rugby against them.

“South Africa have got a blitz defence, but you can play rugby against them and Steve [Tandy] is our defence coach [as well as the Lions] and he obviously knows them very well. I’m looking forward to that game, trying to beat them obviously and get one back on them.

“Australia will be good as well, obviously with Matt Taylor being there, our ex-Scotland defence coach and Dave Rennie [former Glasgow Warriors Head Coach], so there are a few familiar faces on the coaching staff.

“There will hopefully be fans back in the stadium too and back to full crowds, so that’ll be really good.”

Tickets for all four Autumn Nations Series matches are available on general sale HERE.

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