Six Nations
Townsend calls for clarification after Russell ban
ESPN Staff
February 21, 2015
Finn Russell picked up a two-week ban for his challenge on Dan Biggar © Getty Images
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Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend has called for clarification over mid-air challenges after Scotland's Finn Russell picked up a two-week ban.

Russell, now coached by former Scotland international Townsend at Glasgow, received a yellow card after he was adjudged to have taken out Wales fly-half Dan Biggar in the air during last week's Six Nations meeting.

The No.10 is set to appeal the suspension and Townsend is intrigued in the outcome.

"I think it is a watershed moment in the law," Townsend told The Scotsman. "As a coach we need to make sure that we are coaching according to the law. So it will be interesting to see what happens with the appeal.

"But I think there will have to be a clear statement on what the law is and what you are allowed to do when kicks are in the air. We need to find out after the appeal and we have to wait but it's obviously a hot topic.

"Right now we are in this grey area of who is the receiver and what rights does the person have when the ball is in the air and they are just looking at it, and it wasn't sufficient last week. But if there is intent they should be dealt with severely.

"So it's an important time for rugby to make sure we all understand the laws when the ball is in the air. Basically it just needs a clear distinction on what you can and can't do."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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