Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby evening headlines for Wednesday, April 13.
Russell breaks silence on Six Nations campaign
Finn Russell has hit back at criticism over his disappointing Six Nations campaign.
Russell was dropped to the bench for Scotland's final match away to Ireland last month and found himself under scrutiny for much of the tournament.
Russell's Six Nations had begun well with a superb win over England. However, the defeat to Wales next up set the tone for a disappointing campaign, ending in reports that Russell and captain Stuart Hogg had been disciplined for an alleged breach of team protocol.
READ MORE: Lions and Wales star puts pen to paper on new deal to stay in Welsh rugby
The 29-year-old has since returned to French side Racing 92 and, speaking to speaking to rugbyrama.fr, was asked about the criticism he received in some corners of the media during the campaign.
Russell said: “After our victory over England, we were the best team in the world. After the defeat in Cardiff, I was good to be thrown into oblivion.
"That day, I received a yellow card for having attempted an interception near our goal line, but I would do the exact same thing again if I had the chance. The shot was good, I swear!”
The yellow card prompted accusations over Russell's erratic form - criticism he disputes. “This reputation has followed me throughout my career. When I landed in Glasgow and then in the Scottish team, I tried different things, things that other players did not do before me.
“But if you look at how the out-halves on the international circuit play, they also try things: off-loads, kicks over the top, that stuff. Marcus Smith does it, Romain Ntamack too. When it’s me, I’m told that it’s ‘risky’, that it’s not a ‘good idea’… Maybe I should have started rugby 15 years later."
Scarlets record huge loss
The Scarlets have posted a loss of nearly £2.4m for the financial year ending June 2021, citing the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Welsh region made a profit of £35,000 for the financial year ending 2019-20, but warned that losses caused by the pandemic would be "significant". Indeed, the region posted a turnover of £5.78m, nearly half the £12.5m posted for the previous year.
Covid has had an impact on finances throughout Welsh rugby, with fellow region Cardiff recording a loss of around £1.6m. A key reason for such figures was the absence of fans, who were unable to attend games for a vast majority of the 2020-21 season.
The Welsh Rugby Union has subsequently renegotiated the terms of a £20m loan package for the nation's four regional sides, who are set to repay that sum over over the next 20 years. The Scarlets were given a £5.5m loan out of that pot, and also received a received a £2.7m grant from the Welsh Government in January 2021.
"The impact of Covid-19 on all professional sport has been dramatic, making these results difficult to compare with any other season," said Scarlets chairman Simon Muderack.
"With the support of our commercial partners, season members, loyal fans, players and staff we have managed to navigate another difficult year."
"Maintaining a strong balance became a priority. Our thanks to the WRU for their support, securing a loan and to the Welsh Government for its support under the Spectator Survival Fund."
Ex-England star announces retirement
Exeter forward Don Armand has confirmed he is to retire at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old is subsequently set to bring an end to a nine-year stint at Sandy Park, where he's scored 37 tries in 193 games for the Chiefs, helping them reach the last six Premiership finals, as well as a European Champions Cup title in 2020. Armand also won two caps for England.
He is now set to focus on business interests and spending time with his family. "I've had a while to think about it because it wasn't an easy decision," Armand told the club website.
"Having done that, I know this is the right thing for me and my family. I go away with so many happy memories."
Wales Women complete under-18s clean sweep
Wales Women's under-18s have completed a clean sweep at the inaugural U18 Six Nations festival in Edinburgh.
Liza Burgess' side had already seen off Scotland (24-0) and Italy (14-0) in 35-minute matches on Saturday, before making it three out of three with a win over Ireland on Wednesday afternoon. The young Welsh side eased their way to a 17-10 victory in the Scottish capital, rounding off what's been a highly productive week.
“The girls’ attitude has been outstanding," Burgess said. "They have embraced every opportunity they’ve been given and grown as the week has gone on."
