Rugby evening headlines as Finn Russell hits back at Six Nations critics and remains defiant over what happened against Wales

Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby evening headlines for Wednesday, April 13.

Finn Russell has hit back at criticism over his disappointing Six Nations campaign.

Russell was dropped to the bench for Scotland's final match away to Ireland last month and found himself under scrutiny for much of the tournament.

Russell's Six Nations had begun well with a superb win over England. However, the defeat to Wales next up set the tone for a disappointing campaign, ending in reports that Russell and captain Stuart Hogg had been disciplined for an alleged breach of team protocol.

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The 29-year-old has since returned to French side Racing 92 and, speaking to speaking to rugbyrama.fr, was asked about the criticism he received in some corners of the media during the campaign.

Russell said: “After our victory over England, we were the best team in the world. After the defeat in Cardiff, I was good to be thrown into oblivion.

"That day, I received a yellow card for having attempted an interception near our goal line, but I would do the exact same thing again if I had the chance. The shot was good, I swear!”

The yellow card prompted accusations over Russell's erratic form - criticism he disputes. “This reputation has followed me throughout my career. When I landed in Glasgow and then in the Scottish team, I tried different things, things that other players did not do before me.

“But if you look at how the out-halves on the international circuit play, they also try things: off-loads, kicks over the top, that stuff. Marcus Smith does it, Romain Ntamack too. When it’s me, I’m told that it’s ‘risky’, that it’s not a ‘good idea’… Maybe I should have started