Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Conflicting reports on Finn Russell's future as English 10 enters ring

Finn Russell of Racing 92 during the Heineken Champions Cup Pool A Round 1 match between Racing 92 and Leinster at Stade Océane in Le Havre, France. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

There are conflicting reports in the UK and French media this week over whether or not Finn Russell will sign for Bath or stay put at Racing 92.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 30-year-old fly-half, who has been one of the standout performers in the Top 14 this season, is believed to be on the radar of the English Premiership side as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign.

The Rugby Paper reported on the weekend that the deal has fallen through, with Russell deciding against joining the Gallagher Premiership strugglers. Meanwhile, Midi Olympique reports that Russell is on the verge of signing for Johann van Graan’s side.

Video Spacer

Video Spacer

According to reports Russell’s new offer from Racing 92 was significantly less than his current contract, with the Parisians lining up Exeter Chiefs Joe Simmonds. Simmonds, despite his success with Exeter, has failed to crack the England squad and could now be looking at following Montpellier bound brother Sam Simmonds in switching to France.

All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett has also been linked with a move to the Parisian big spenders, who were spanked last weekend by Leinster in the opening round of the Champions Cup in Le Havre.

Born in Glasgow, Russell started his professional career with Glasgow Warriors before making the move to Racing 92 in 2018. Since then, he has established himself as one of the best fly-halves in Europe, showcasing his impressive playmaking abilities and kicking game.

The news of Bath’s interest in Russell made headlines throughout the rugby world, with many fans and pundits alike questioning whether he would be willing to leave the French giants for a move to the Premiership.

ADVERTISEMENT

The signing of Russell would be a major coup for Bath, and would undoubtedly bolster their attacking options and help them to compete with the likes of Saracens, Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers at the top of the table.

The next few weeks are set to be crucial in determining Russell’s future, and it remains to be seen whether he will make the move to Bath Rugby. Regardless of what happens, one thing is for certain: Finn Russell is one of the hottest prospects in European rugby, and his signature would be a major boost for any club.

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

G
GrahamVF 1 hour ago
Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

"has SA actually EVER helped to develop another union to maturity like NZ has with Japan," yes - Argentina. You obviously don't know the history of Argentinian rugby. SA were touring there on long development tours in the 1950's

We continued the Junior Bok tours to the Argentine through to the early 70's

My coach at Grey High was Giepie Wentzel who toured Argentine as a fly half. He told me about how every Argentinian rugby club has pictures of Van Heerden and Danie Craven on prominent display. Yes we have developed a nation far more than NZ has done for Japan. And BTW Sa players were playing and coaching in Japan long before the Kiwis arrived. Fourie du Preez and many others were playing there 15 years ago.


"Isaac Van Heerden's reputation as an innovative coach had spread to Argentina, and he was invited to Buenos Aires to help the Pumas prepare for their first visit to South Africa in 1965.[1][2] Despite Argentina faring badly in this tour,[2] it was the start of a long and happy relationship between Van Heerden and the Pumas. Izak van Heerden took leave from his teaching post in Durban, relocated to Argentina, learnt fluent Spanish, and would revolutionise Argentine play in the late 1960s, laying the way open for great players such as Hugo Porta.[1][2] Van Heerden virtually invented the "tight loose" form of play, an area in which the Argentines would come to excel, and which would become a hallmark of their playing style. The Pumas repaid the initial debt, by beating the Junior Springboks at Ellis Park, and emerged as one of the better modern rugby nations, thanks largely to the talents of this Durban schoolmaster.[1]"


After the promise made by Junior Springbok manager JF Louw at the end of a 12-game tour to Argentina in 1959 – ‘I will do everything to ensure we invite you to tour our country’ – there were concerns about the strength of Argentinian rugby. South African Rugby Board president Danie Craven sent coach Izak van Heerden to help the Pumas prepare and they repaid the favour by beating the Junior Springboks at Ellis Park.

158 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
Search