Ex-Scotland captain says the fly-half rivals can overcome past criticism to serve Lions under Andy Farrell

Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw believes long-standing rivals Finn Russell and Johnny Sexton can “put their differences to one side” and work together professionally during this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. Despite past criticisms and personality clashes, Laidlaw insists both men have the rugby intelligence and maturity to cooperate under head coach Andy Farrell.

Sexton, who retired from playing after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has been appointed to Farrell’s coaching team for the upcoming Lions campaign. His appointment raised eyebrows, given his well-documented tensions with Russell, whom he once described as “flashy” and unsuitable for the Lions over more pragmatic choices like Owen Farrell.

In his 2022 autobiography, Sexton openly questioned the reasons behind then-coach Warren Gatland’s preference for Russell over himself during the 2021 tour of South Africa, attributing the Scot’s selection to media hype. He later reiterated these views in an October 2024 interview, saying he would still favour Farrell over Russell in a Lions squad.

Despite this, Laidlaw, speaking to BBC Scotland, expressed confidence in Russell’s selection chances, saying the Bath fly-half has earned his place through recent standout performances.

“Finn’s definitely going to be on that tour, I would believe,” said Laidlaw. “He’s been excellent for Bath in the Premiership, was key in the last Lions tour, and he’s a player in form. I think he gets there on merit, regardless of who’s in the coaching group.”

Laidlaw, who toured with the Lions in 2017 alongside both Russell and Sexton, said he saw up close how different the two players are in temperament. “Sexton was the ultimate competitor… more serious, more intense. Finn’s personality is completely different,” he said. “But surely now that Sexton is in the coaching seat, some of that tension fades. They’re both professionals and can get on with the job.”

Laidlaw also noted that Sexton’s presence on the staff might boost the chances of England’s Owen Farrell making the tour, but argued this wouldn’t come at Russell’s expense. “If Owen’s picked, I still see Finn going too—possibly along with Sam Prendergast. You need that balance and flair.”

Russell’s transformation from a mercurial talent to a consistently high-level performer has been noted by many observers, especially since joining Bath. His leadership, game management, and attacking flair have helped drive the club to the top end of the Premiership table this season.

Tensions between him and Sexton, however, have lingered. While the pair have shared little time together on the pitch, their rivalry has often spilled into the media. Sexton’s public jabs have occasionally fuelled debate around who brings the better value to a Lions squad—Russell’s creativity or Farrell’s discipline and control.

Yet Laidlaw is hopeful this summer’s tour can be a moment of unity rather than division. “They don’t have to be best mates,” he said. “They just have to respect each other’s roles and work for the same goal. The Lions is about putting national rivalries behind you.”

As the Lions coaching group shapes up under Farrell—who succeeded Gatland—the team dynamics are under intense scrutiny. Farrell has brought in Richard Wigglesworth and now Sexton to lead the backline preparations. That structure suggests a preference for a structured approach to attack, yet Russell’s unpredictability could be the X-factor Farrell needs in Australia.

The final Lions squad will be announced in June, with the tour set to begin in July. Whether Russell and Sexton can shelve their personal history and focus on shared success remains to be seen—but if Laidlaw’s prediction proves accurate, Lions fans could see one of the most fascinating coaching-player dynamics in recent memory.