Finn Russell has his sights set on earning a place on next year’s Lions tour and representing Scotland at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Scotland co-captain will be 35 by the time the tournament begins in Australia, but he’s hopeful of being able to make a fourth World Cup.
The Bath fly-half said In an interview with Rugby World magazine: “The next World Cup is 2027.
“Hopefully I can hold out until then. It depends who comes through in the next few years for Scotland but as long as I’m feeling good, physically and mentally, I’ll be keeping on going as long as I can.”
Russell, currently sidelined with a groin injury, believes he’s built up the experience needed to take him to a fourth World Cup, a feat only one other Scot, former fullback Chris Paterson, has achieved to date.
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He added: “As a 10 in my early 30s I feel it’s a really good spot to be.
“You’ve still got all the physical attributes that allow you to keep up with everyone and you’ve got a good balance of being able to adapt to changes in the game with a fresh mind, while also having the experience of hundreds of games that you’ve played at all different levels, with and against all different players and with and against all different coaches.”
Before he considers playing at a fourth World Cup, Russell hopes to head Down Under and be part of a third British and Irish Lions tour next summer.
Russell was part of the ‘Geography Six’ - players drafted in as injury cover by head coach Warren Gatland on the 2017 tour of New Zealand, before earning selection for the 2021 trip to South Africa.
Injury meant Russell’s game-time was limited in the build-up to the three-match series against the Springboks, making his only appearance off the bench in the decider.
Russell said he would relish another chance to represent The Lions next summer.
And he's been backed to play a pivotal role by Scotland legend Gavin Hastings
“I’d love to go,” he said.
“The 2021 tour was an amazing one and I loved being part of that squad It’s the highest level you can reach and it’s a massive challenge to get there, but the more times you do that, it’s what you want to do as a player. Playing big teams, big games, that’s what your career is all about.”
After a stunted first experience of the famous invitational side, Russell knows if he can earn a place in Andy Farrell’s squad this time round, it would be an altogether different trip.
He added: "It would be amazing to go to Australia, have all the fans coming across and have a proper tour."
Reflecting on the Six Nations, Russell admitted it was a missed opportunity and again stressed Scotland must make improvements psychologically if they are to challenge for titles.
READ MORE: Scotland's mentality needs to get better, says Finn Russell
The 80-times capped fly-half said: "The mental side of things needs to be better. That tournament was there for us to have a real crack at winning, and it's just a shame we almost messed it up because of a couple of games."
While adding the biggest sense of frustration was the team's inconsistency, Russell admitted: "Week to week, game to game, we were up and down, and within the games themselves we were up and down as well."
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