Scotland’s daunting task at the Rugby World Cup in France in September will not be made any easier by the sudden retirement of former captain Stuart Hogg, his long-standing teammate Finn Russell said on Monday.

Hogg announced his decision at the start of July, soon after Scotland began their World Cup preparations, saying his body could no long take the strain.

“It's different without him in the camp to be honest,” Russell told a virtual news conference. “But at the same time, it does give other boys the chance to step up, and be the next fullback and secure his jersey.”

Hogg, who earned 100 caps for Scotland, and Russell played against each other when they were as young as eight-years-old and played together for Glasgow.