Lions call for Scotland duo Russell and Dell

Scotland duo Finn Russell and Allan Dell are the latest players to receive British and Irish Lions call-ups for the tour of New Zealand.

Lions coach Warren Gatland drafted in Wales quartet Cory Hill, Kristian Dacey, Gareth Davies and Tomas Francis ahead of the record 32-10 victory over the Maori All Blacks.

It was announced after that impressive victory that fly-half Russell and prop Dell will also link up with the Lions on Sunday, a day after playing for Scotland in their win against Australia in Sydney.

Playmaker Russell scored 11 points – including a try – as Scotland defeated the Wallabies at Allianz Stadium, while Dell came off the bench in the second half of a famous 24-19 victory.

Dell has only won nine caps for Scotland since making his debut against Australia last year.

The pair will fly out to Hamilton for Lions duty just six days before the opening Test against the world champions.

BREAKING | Delighted to hear Scotland players Finn Russell and Allan Dell have been called up by the British & Irish Lions! 🦁 #LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/RkvoVdpo9A

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) June 17, 2017

Gatland said: “We have said all along that we need to give ourselves the best chance of winning the Test series and that could potentially involve calling up players.

“Bringing in these players from an identical time zone, who can hit the ground running and step straight in rather than having to adjust following long-haul travel will help us manage players before the first Test, give us quality training numbers to prepare properly as well as offering us options for selection for the Chiefs match [on Tuesday].”