The Six Nations is nearly upon us. Here are your morning headlines for Tuesday, January 28.

Scotland legend backs Finn Russell

Scotland legend Gavin Hastings has backed Finn Russell to work his way back into the Scotland side.

The fly-half was dropped for their Six Nations opener against Ireland after an alcohol-related breach of team protocol last Sunday.

“The first word I would use is unfortunate. No-one wants to see it,” Hastings told the Scotman.

“You don’t want your best players not playing in the championship. People who love rugby want to see the best players playing in the best championship.

“So it’s unfortunate, and that’s all I can say because, you might think I have a better understanding than most about what has gone on but the truth is I don’t.”

“Well I hope there is (a way back for Russell).

“You would have to question everything if there was no way back for Finn. I would be very surprised if there was not a way back, it wouldn’t be worth thinking about if that was the case.”

Caelan Doris set for Ireland bow

Reports in Ireland suggest that 21-year-old Caelan Doris will make his Ireland debut this weekend.

The Leinster No. 8 has enjoyed a stunning season so far and his form is set to be rewarded by new coach Andy Farrell.

Elsewhere, it appears likely that Lions scrum-half Conor Murray will get the nod ahead of the in-form John Cooney when Farrell names his team to face Scotland.

Eddie Jones warns of World Cup finalists curse

Eddie Jones has warned his England players of the curse of the World Cup finalists as they prepare for their Six Nations opener against France in Paris.

England fell at the final hurdle in last year's World Cup in Japan, comprehensively beaten 32-12 by South Africa.

The previous four beaten World Cup finalists all went on to experience a sharp slump in form.

"It's really important we understand what has happened to World Cup finalists," Jones told BBC Sport.

"There has been a decline and in some teams a massive decline in year one."

England head coach Eddie Jones at his press conference
England head coach Eddie Jones at his press conference

"In 2016 we inherited a team with poor confidence, searching for redemption, and now we have a team with an enhanced reputation and players with enhanced reputations.

"But what I'm seeing with the players is an absolute desire to be a much better team. We want to be the greatest team the game of rugby has ever seen. That's a big dream but why not go for it? We are quite capable of getting there."

Wales prop commits to Ospreys

Wales prop Rhodri Jones has signed a new two-year deal with Ospreys.

The 17-times capped player moved joined the Ospreys from regional rivals Scarlets in 2016, but has been ruled out of the rest of the season after shoulder surgery.

Jones hopes to return fully fit in time for the 2020-21 campaign.

The 28-year-old, who made his Wales debut in 2012, said: "Prior to my injury I felt I was playing my best rugby and picking up momentum and enjoying playing regularly."

Former Scotland coach lands Fiji job

Fiji have announced former Scotland boss Vern Cotter as the successor to John McKee.

The New Zealand-born coach will take the helm of the Flying Fijians once his commitments in the Top 14 with Montpellier conclude at the end of the current season.

Cotter had previously led Scotland to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2015 and had the most successful record of any Scottish coach in the professional era.

The 57-year-old also assisted the Crusaders to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2005 and 2006, and led Clermont to a Top 14 crown in 2010.