Finn Russell returns as Scotland faces South Africa in Nations Championship
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 7:29 AM
Last updated Jul 9, 2026

Finn Russell is set to return for Scotland as they take on South Africa in the Nations Championship at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The fly-half missed the previous match against Argentina due to a calf injury but has regained fitness to start at No 10. Zander Fagerson and Gregor Brown also join the starting lineup, replacing injured teammates. Scotland looks to improve after struggling in their last encounters against the Springboks, having failed to score a try in two previous matches. The match is part of Scotland's first tour of South Africa in 12 years.
- •Russell replaces Tom Jordan, returning from injury.
- •Fagerson and Brown promoted to starting XV.
- •Scotland's first visit to South Africa since 2014.
- •South Africa won their opening match against England.
- •Scotland seeks to break scoring drought against Springboks.
- 7:42 AMYahoo Sports — Russell returns for Scotland in South Africa
- 7:29 AMBBC Sport — Russell returns for Scotland in South Africa
- 7:20 AMYahoo Sports — Finn Russell returns as Scotland face daunting South Africa challenge
"Star fly-half Finn Russell is fit to start for Scotland against South Africa in the second round of Nations Championship action.
"Star fly-half Finn Russell is fit to start for Scotland against South Africa in the second round of Nations Championship action.
"Russell has recovered from a calf injury to start at fly half
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 9, 2026, 7:42 AMRussell returns for Scotland in South Africa
Star fly-half Finn Russell is fit to start for Scotland against South Africa in the second round of Nations Championship action.
- BBC SportJul 9, 2026, 7:29 AMRussell returns for Scotland in South Africa
Star fly-half Finn Russell is fit to start for Scotland against South Africa in the second round of Nations Championship action.
- Yahoo SportsJul 9, 2026, 7:20 AMFinn Russell returns as Scotland face daunting South Africa challenge
Russell has recovered from a calf injury to start at fly half
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