Finn Russell remains in international exile ahead of Scotland's Guinness Six Nations bottom of the table match against Italy this weekend.
Assistant coach Mike Blair has confirmed that the Racing fly-half has not returned to the squad and "unless something changes that will continue to be the case":
“We’ve been talking about this topic for three or four weeks now. It seems like we keep going back to it," the former scrum-half told The Scotsman.
“The situation is is Finn’s not involved with the squad and until something changes that will continue to be the case.”
Russell was punished for a "breach of team discipline" ahead of the Six Nations and Blair has been impressed by how Glasgow's Adam Hastings has played since:
"Adam’s decision making has been excellent, particularly at the start of the Ireland game, by taking simple options, playing through and holding on to ball. It’s gone well.
“There are parts of his game that he still needs to improve. But he’s a young player and the more games he plays at this level, the more he’ll understand about when to pass and when to kick. We’ve been really impressed with what he’s done.”
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