Advertisement League of Ireland Horse Racing TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture Rugby Weekly Extra Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week The Football Family Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points Advertisement More Stories Andy Farrell and Finn Russell.Alamy Stock Photo Freelions friends 'Andy put it to bed' - Russell happy to be working with Sexton The former Ireland out-half has been getting involved in Lions training. 6.01pm, 21 Jun 2025 Share options FINN RUSSELL SAID that Lions boss Andy Farrell quickly dealt with any potentially troublesome feelings between the Scotland out-half and assistant coach Johnny Sexton this week. Sexton questioned Russell’s credentials as the Lions out-half last autumn before he had joined Ireland and then the Lions as an assistant coach to Farrell. But speaking ahead of the Lions’ departure for Australia today, Russell said there are no ill feelings and that he has even enjoyed training alongside the former Ireland out-half this week. “It’s just a bit of a craic,” said Russell. “It was never a thing, almost. “When we came in, we had a laugh straight away and Andy kind of put it to bed, so that was good. Not that it was ever going to be an issue, I don’t believe. “We’re all here with the same goal, which is to win the series. I’ve only been here a few days but it’s been good working with Johnny. I’m happy to bounce questions off him and chat to him about what he’s seeing because with the numbers we’ve had, he’s had to jump in sometimes. Advertisement “So it’s been quite funny being on the same training side as him.” Russell was one of the late arrivers in Lions camp this week because he was involved in Bath’s Premiership final win over Leicester last weekend. Having also guided Johann van Graan’s men to a Challenge Cup title this season, Russell was delighted to have the chance to celebrate back in Bath before joining the Lions on Monday. “It was good fun,” he said. “I think we all turned up to Bath on the bus coming back from London and it was pretty quiet. The streets didn’t really have anyone on it and we were sort of laughing as if no one’s really come. Russell with Joe McCarthy, Josh van der Flier, and Bundee Aki.Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO “Then two hours later, they were packed. It was really cool actually. I’ve only won something with Glasgow and it was very different celebrations after that. Coming now from a city that’s a rugby city, it was really cool to win a title for them.” This is Russell’s third involvement in a Lions tour, albeit he only briefly featured in New Zealand in 2017 after being one of the infamous ‘Geography 6′ call-ups. He was part of the 2021 squad in South Africa, but an Achilles injury meant he missed the first two Tests before making a big impact off the bench in the third clash with the Springboks. This summer, he’s many people’s favourite to be the starting Lions out-half in Australia. Fin Smith got first shot in the number 10 shirt last night against Argentina, but Russell seems likely to start next Saturday against the Western Force in Perth. “It was still amazing [in 2017] because it was my first time being called up to the Lions,” said Russell. “We weren’t there for the whole tour, obviously, but I think to have gone there and played in the first one was really cool for me. “And then in 2021, it was special going the whole time even though it was Covid. Obviously we couldn’t have family and friends or fans at the game but it was still amazing in probably a different way. “In terms of the boys, we probably got to know each other a little bit better because it was just us in the hotel and whatnot, but I think both experiences are different in good ways. “So I’m looking forward to what this one’s going to be like.” Murray Kinsella Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “'Andy put it to bed' - Russell happy to be working with Sexton”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “'Andy put it to bed' - Russell happy to be working with Sexton”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion andy farrell Finn Russell Johnny Sexton lions friends News in 60 seconds FreeReaction 'Everyone always writes us off every single year, we thrive on that' - Dublin stun Limerick 47 mins ago Freerare auld times Incredible Dublin dump Limerick out of All-Ireland hurling championship FreeLGFA Wrap Cork beat Mayo and Tipp edge Donegal to secure quarter-final spots Dublin v Limerick, Galway v Tipperary, Dublin v Cork - GAA Match Tracker Kildare knock Armagh out of All-Ireland ladies football championship FreeRoyal Ascot Lazzat fends off Satono Reve to take Jubilee crown Late goals sink Ireland in penultimate FIH Pro League match against Spain As it happened British & Irish Lions v Argentina Dublin v Limerick, Galway v Tipperary, Dublin v Cork - GAA Match Tracker slim pickings The few Lions players who enhanced their chances of Test inclusion in Australia Freerare auld times Incredible Dublin dump Limerick out of All-Ireland hurling championship more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine TG4 Entertainment Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online Sign in or create a free account To continue reading create a free account Or sign into an existing account