Scotland duo Allan Dell and Finn Russell say that they do not regret accepting their invitation to bolster the British & Irish Lions.
Having helped the Scots to mid-year tour triumphs over Italy and Australia – Gregor Townsend’s side claimed their first-ever victory in Sydney – prop Dell and stand-of Russell were called up by Lions chief Warren Gatland as injury cover in mid-June.
The pair missed Scotland’s final summer Test against Fiji and only managed fleeting cameos, with Dell featuring for 10 minutes against the Chiefs on June 20 and Russell taking to the field for even less time in this week’s game against the Hurricanes.
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Both have since been released by Lions chief Gatland but insist that their decision was a no-brainer.
“I’m definitely glad I came out here; you’d really regret not coming out here,” said Glasgow Warriors man Russell, 24.
“It’s a big chance. It might never happen again, so you take it and make the most of it.
“For the boys who were picked after the Six Nations, they had all the build-up, but for us, it was a very quick turnaround.
“So you just jump straight in and give it a go in a completely different environment.
“That’s tough, but it’s good fun, and it’s been a good experience.”
Edinburgh Rugby’s Dell echoed his countryman’s sentiments.
The 25-year-old said: “It’s something you jump at and could be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we’ve been privileged enough to receive that opportunity, and fortunate enough to get games.
“And you’re just not going to say no to the Lions. Obviously, it’s frustrating not to have had more game time – any player would say that.
“But we’re privileged enough to have had those chances, and that’s something we can take back and learn from.”
