Finn Russell, esteemed as one of the premier rugby talents globally and serving as the captain of the Scottish Rugby team, exited the Round of 16 Champions Cup match against Exeter during the first half.
Having recently led the Scottish National team in the 2024 Six Nations, Russell departed the field with a noticeable limp/suspected groin injury.
His departure occurred with the game evenly poised at 0-0.
“It is a contact sport, a collision sport,” Bath head of rugby Van Graan said.
“It is not often you lose your 10, who is a very important player for us, in the first half, and then your 12 in the second-half.
“We were disrupted, but that’s the game. Obviously, the game is a lot easier if it doesn’t happen.
“We will take our time with Finn. It was a big moment in this game when he went off. It (injury) seems like somewhere in the groin area, and Cam looks like an ankle.”
Highest-paid rugby players in the world 2023
6. Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) - £610,000
During his tenure at Montpellier, the Springbok fly-half was known as one of the highest-earning players in the sport, purportedly receiving an annual salary exceeding one million.
However, his transfer to Leicester Tigers entailed a reduction in pay, although he is still believed to be earning a respectable sum at Welford Road.
Handre Pollard of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
5. Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) - £700,000
The Les Bleus’ talisman is undoubtedly leading one of the most exciting teams on the international stage, all while helping to change the perception of the sport.
Antoine Dupont of France during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
3. Dan Biggar (Toulon) - £800,000
The only Welshman on this list, Biggar was previously earning around £600,000 at Northampton Saints, having joined the Gallagher Premiership side from the Ospreys. However, he recently left the Saints to join French giants Toulon, where he is reportedly earning around £800,000.
Dan Biggar of Northampton Saints kicks the penalty to take the lead during the European Champions Cup, Quarter-final match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on 20 Sept 2020. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
2. Maro Itoje (Saracens) - £850,000
When Itoje was rumoured to be interested in joining Racing 92 two years ago, club president Jacky Lorenzetti let slip that the lock wanted 1million euros for the deal to go through. Exact figures on Itoje's current salary at Saracens vary but it is reported that he is bringing home around £800,000.
A frustrated Maro Itoje of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
2. Finn Russell (Bath) - £1million
The Scotland fly-half, known for his unpredictable nature, had previously earned an annual salary of £850,000 while playing for Racing 92.
However, his recent agreement with Premiership club Bath is believed to be even more financially rewarding.
Speculations put his new deal at approximately £950,000, though certain sources indicate that it could reach an impressive £1 million per year for the entire three-year duration of his contract at the Rec.
1. Owen Farrell (Saracens) - £1.2m
Owen Farrell is set to bid farewell to English rugby at the conclusion of this season, as the Saracens fly-half secures a lucrative three-season contract with Racing 92.
The exclusive scoop was first reported by RUCK earlier today, revealing an agreement between Saracens and the Parisian club.
A statement from Racing read: “Racing 92 can confirm the signing of Owen Farrell (32) for our men’s team. The England international has joined for two seasons and will join up with the ciel et blanc from July 1 2024.”
One report in France indicates that the former England captain could be earning up to £1.2m per season.
Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?
Securing victory in the Guinness Six Nations is undoubtedly special, but achieving this triumph as a captain is a feat that remains a distant dream for many.
In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.
Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.