Rugby: 'Geography Six' to each pocket $27,000 for combined field time of 15 minutes

Finn Russell. Photo / File

The six Lions call-ups who played a total of 15 minutes are set to receive more than 15,000 ($27,000) each.

The "Geography Six" - low-profile players from Wales and Scotland - signed contracts during the Six Nations for a pro-rata payment of the 70,000 ($125,000) tour fee.

They flew home from New Zealand on Wednesday night after 10 days with the squad, with only prop Allan Dell and No 10 Finn Russell playing any part in the midweek games.

Warren Gatland brought in the reinforcements for logistical reasons, rather than on merit, because they were already in Australasia with their national teams, so would not suffer from jetlag.

It resulted in strong criticism from former Lions about "devaluing the jersey" and Gatland subsequently revealed he was reluctant to use the reserve players because of the public outcry.

The six have unfairly come under fire on social media, but Russell insisted he had no regrets about joining the tour - despite the backlash over the omission of England and Ireland stars.

"I'm definitely glad I came out here," Russell said. "I don't think anyone would turn down the Lions. You'd really regret not coming. It's a big chance. It might never happen again so you make the most of it.

"We've only been here 10 days. It's been so quick. I guess in time it will sink in what it really means to play for the Lions, once we're home and have more time to think it through.

"For the boys who were picked after the Six Nations, they had all the build-up, but for us it was a very quick turnaround so you just jump straight in and give it a go in a completely different environment. That's tough, but it's been good fun and a good experience."

Welshmen Tomas Francis, Kristian Dacey, Gareth Davies and Cory Hill were limited to the bench. Gatland emphasised the importance of extra bodies in training to protect the test 23 but Dell admitted there was frustration at the lack of game time on offer.

"Any player would say that," he said. "But we're privileged to have had the chance and that's something we can take back and learn from.

"You don't come over wanting to just fill numbers. We're professionals and you come over wanting to prove you deserve to be in this scenario. That's the bit of frustration, but we understand we came in with a role to play."