Rugby evening headlines as Wales call up new player but no gametime promised and Finn Russell discarded

These are your rugby evening headlines on Thursday, March 17.

Dragons scrum-half Rhodri Williams has been called up to the Wales squad as No. 9 cover for the Six Nations finale against Italy. Gareth Davies starts this Saturday's game and Kieran Hardy is on the bench, but travelling reserves are also required.

That has led to Williams being called in to replace his injured Cardiff Rugby namesake Tomos. The Welsh Rugby Union said he has been released to his region as he continues his graduated return-to-play protocol after concussion against France.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend insists he would prefer to focus on why he selected Blair Kinghorn to start at stand-off rather than the demotion of talisman Finn Russell to the bench for Saturday's Six Nations clash in Ireland.

The Racing 92 No. 10 has not been at his brilliant best in this year's tournament but eyebrows have been raised by the decision to replace him for a formidable trip to Dublin with 25-year-old Edinburgh player Kinghorn, who has made only one start for the national team.

Asked what Russell has done to merit being one of only two players to drop out from the side that started last weekend's bonus-point win away to Italy, Townsend said: "I'd prefer to focus on what Blair has done and how well he's played and how he's deserved his opportunity, which he certainly has with his performances throughout the season.

"We see this as an opportunity for Blair. He's been in really good form. He wasn't available for our match (in Rome) last week (due to personal reasons) but the week before that he played his best game of the season against Connacht. He's come on twice off the bench and shown what he can do in that jersey."

Asked how Russell reacted to the news