Fergus Burke learning from Finn Russell as he eyes succeeding him at fly-half
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Saracens stand-off Fergus Burke is relishing the chance to learn at close quarters from Finn Russell as he bids to enhance his own chances of becoming Scotland’s number 10 further down the line. The New Zealand-born fly-half – who has a Scots-born grandfather – was last week called up to Gregor Townsend’s squad for the first time for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations.
Burke, 25, has been enjoying getting to know talismanic co-captain Russell in the Scotland camp in Edinburgh over the past few days. “I hadn’t met him before or talked to him personally but he’s been awesome this week,” said Burke. “He’s one of those guys that is obviously a big part of this team and a quality player.
“But he’s just a normal guy, he’s so relaxed and chilled. It’s been cool to get to know him.”. Burke and versatile Glasgow back Tom Jordan will provide competition and cover at stand-off during the Six Nations. Asked if he had designs on eventually succeeding Russell as Scotland’s main playmaker, Burke said: “I think that would be the ultimate for me, yeah.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Finn, so I’m not exactly coming in here and trying to ruffle feathers in the Six Nations. He’s a complete player at the moment, so it’s more to just learn off him. “Down the line, if I get an opportunity to step into that role, then that’s the dream.”.
