Scotland talisman Finn Russell was bombed from the Six Nations squad after being involved in an alleged drinking session.
Boss Gregor Townsend told the Racing 92 fly-half he wouldn’t be winning his 50th cap in the Six Nations against Ireland next Saturday after what the SRU claimed was a “breach of team protocol”.
It’s understood Russell failed to show up for training on Monday after an evening drinking at the team hotel.
Players got permission to have a few drinks but it’s alleged Russell refused to stop when approached by team-mates and coaches.
The 27-year-old eventually reported to Scotland’s Oriam base later on Monday only for Townsend to tell Russell he wouldn’t play against Ireland.
The Scotland boss then gave Russell the chance to return to the squad to help their preparations. But he snubbed the offer, placing serious doubts over his international future.
A source close to the squad said: “This has been brewing for a while.
“The relationship between Finn and Toony has deteriorated over the past year or so.
“It became clear more recently that the situation was close to breaking point."
