FINN Russell has improved considerably over the past couple of days and should be discharged from hospital later this week, according to a statement from Glasgow Warriors. He will not require surgery on the head injury he sustained while playing for Glasgow on Saturday, but has been ruled out of Scotland’s tour to Japan next month.

The stand-off was injured early in Glasgow’s PRO12 semi-final with Connacht on Saturday and could take no further part in the match. He stayed in hospital that night when the rest of the Warriors party flew home.

Russell suffered the injury after he and team-mate Zander Fagerson both tried to tackle the same opponent. The precise nature of the injury has not been confirmed.

“Glasgow Warriors stand-off Finn Russell remains under observation in hospital following a clash of heads in the first minute of Saturday's GUINNESS PRO12 play-off in Galway,” the Warriors statement said. “However, his condition has improved significantly over the last couple of days and it's been confirmed that he does not require surgery.

“Russell, who was transferred from University Hospital in Galway to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, is expected to be discharged later this week. His return to training date will be determined when he is back in Glasgow.

“Glasgow Warriors would like to thank the Connacht medical team, players and staff for their support. The club would also like to thank the University Hospital in Galway and Beaumont Hospital in Dublin for all their help.

“Finn and his family really appreciate all the messages of support, with which they have been inundated. Other players are still being assessed by the Glasgow Warriors medical team following Saturday's match against Connacht. Further updates will be provided when available.”

Both Fagerson and Simone Favaro, who also came off injured in the first half of the Connacht match, will need to go through the head-injury assessment protocol before they are allowed to resume playing. Jonny Gray travelled home in a moon boot after a foot injury, and he too will need more assessment before learning when he can return to action.

A statement from Scottish Rugby later confirmed that Russell will not go on the two-Test tour to Japan. “Glasgow Warriors stand-off Finn Russell has been ruled out of Scotland’s 2016 summer tour to Japan through injury,” it said. “Any further adjustments to the Scotland touring party will be confirmed in due course.”