Bath Rugby have confirmed the signing of Finn Russell, an exciting addition to Johann van Graan’s squad.
It’s been suggested that the Scotland stars three-year deal at the Rec will be worth £1million per year, and that the signing will be confirmed in the coming days.
That would be double what England star Marcus Smith, who has two and half years remaining on his current contract, earns with him taking home wages of £460,000 per season.
The 30-year-old will link up with the Blue, Black and White following the 2023 Rugby World Cup after a stellar four seasons at Racing 92.
Russell’s playmaking ability and excellent kicking game have seen him become one of the most lauded players in the northern hemisphere. He will join a Bath squad which has already seen recent recruits Ted Hill, Ollie Lawrence and Alfie Barbeary commit for the long term.
“Finn is a world-class player who will significantly add to our squad on and off the field,” Head of Rugby Johann van Graan said.
On joining Bath, Russell said: “To be able to join such a historic, well-supported club is really exciting.
“I know players at Bath who speak highly of the environment, and the direction the club is going in is something I want to be a part of.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at Racing 92 and I’ve learned a lot. Now is the right time for a new challenge, in a new league, with the aim of moving Bath back to the top end of the Premiership and competing for domestic and European titles.”
Finn Russell facts:
- His father played a lot of racket sports, and worked in sports administration, including as Director of Domestic Rugby for the Scottish Rugby Union
- After secondary school, he pursued an apprenticeship for three years as a stonemason, in a business owned by a family friend, whilst his rugby developed
- Russell has been nicknamed ‘Russell the Muscle’ due to having a somewhat slender build for a modern-day rugby player
- Fly-half Russell was capped with the Barbarians against England during the mid-year rugby tests
- In 2013 Russell received the John Macphail Scholarship, linked with New Zealand’s Lincoln University
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REVEALED: Every Premiership Rugby sides marquee players and their reported salary
We take a look at each Gallagher Premiership clubs marquee player and what they are reportedly earning.
As their clubs marquee player, their salary sits outside of their sides salary cap budget of £5million.
Every Premiership Team’s Marquee Player:
Bath RFC: None (was previously Taulupe Faletau)
Bristol Bears: Charles Piutau – £1,000,000 per season
Exeter Chiefs: Stuart Hogg – £500,000
