Finn Russell could return for Scotland’s July tour after holding talks with head coach Gregor Townsend.

It was Samoa who provided the opposition for Joe Schmidt’s introduction to Test rugby as Ireland’s head coach, way back when in November 2013.

Openside flanker TJ Ioane dismissed the suggestion earlier this week that the Pacific Islanders would be preparing a special welcome for Ireland's Kiwi-born centre with Samoan roots

This isn’t the team that Joe Schmidt envisaged naming against Samoa.

Rob Kearney has agreed a “nine-month extension” to his IRFU contract and will play with Leinster next season.