Bath could be without talismanic fly-half Finn Russell for one of the biggest games of their season after Johann van Graan revealed the Scotland international is battling a calf issue.
Russell was left out of Bath's 22-19 defeat to Bristol Bears on Friday night after the club decided not to risk their star playmaker ahead of the Gallagher PREM play-offs.
⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!
With Bath already guaranteed a semi-final spot, Van Graan opted to prioritise Russell's long-term fitness rather than rush him back for the trip to Ashton Gate.
However, the timing of the injury concern is far from ideal.
Bath welcome Leicester Tigers to The Recreation Ground this weekend in a blockbuster final-round clash that will determine who earns a coveted home semi-final.
With Northampton Saints already securing top spot and a home play-off after their dramatic victory over Gloucester, the battle for second place is now a straight shootout between Bath and Leicester.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Speaking after the defeat to Bristol, Van Graan explained why Russell was withdrawn from training earlier in the week.
"He has got a tight calf. I pulled him out of training early in the week.
"We have already qualified for a semi-final, which is still two weeks away, so we just made a decision not to risk anything."
The South African coach admitted Bath will take a cautious approach before making a final call on Russell's availability.
"We will assess him through next week and see how he is.
"If we just look at the facts, on the weekend of the 13th we are playing a semi-final and we want our best available team ready for then.
"We will take our time with it and make a decision whether he plays against Leicester or whether we hold him back another week."
Russell has been central to Bath's impressive campaign, producing a series of match-winning displays and helping guide the club to the verge of securing a home route through the play-offs.
Whether he is fit enough to face Leicester could be one of the defining stories of the Premiership season.
POLL:
Five Quirky Facts About Finn Russell
1. He almost became a stonemason instead of a rugby player
Before turning professional, Russell worked as a stonemason apprentice in Scotland and was close to pursuing the trade full-time.
Before turning professional, Russell worked as a stonemason apprentice in Scotland and was close to pursuing the trade full-time.
2. He wasn't part of a professional academy system growing up
Unlike many modern internationals, Russell took a less conventional route to the top and played club rugby while developing outside the elite pathway.
Unlike many modern internationals, Russell took a less conventional route to the top and played club rugby while developing outside the elite pathway.
3. He's got two memorable nicknames
Despite being one of rugby's most creative playmakers, Russell isn't known for having the imposing physique of some modern professionals. As a result, he has been nicknamed 'Russell the Muscle', while former Munster and Ireland star Simon Zebo famously dubbed him 'White Chocolate' — a nod to his flair, unpredictability and ability to produce moments of magic that few others would even attempt.
Despite being one of rugby's most creative playmakers, Russell isn't known for having the imposing physique of some modern professionals. As a result, he has been nicknamed 'Russell the Muscle', while former Munster and Ireland star Simon Zebo famously dubbed him 'White Chocolate' — a nod to his flair, unpredictability and ability to produce moments of magic that few others would even attempt.
4. Family comes first off the pitch
Away from rugby, Russell is a devoted family man. The Scotland star shares two daughters, Charlie and Skye, with his fiancée Emma Canning, a former Scottish international heptathlete. Russell often credits his young family with helping him switch off from the pressures of professional rugby and keeping him grounded away from the spotlight.
Away from rugby, Russell is a devoted family man. The Scotland star shares two daughters, Charlie and Skye, with his fiancée Emma Canning, a former Scottish international heptathlete. Russell often credits his young family with helping him switch off from the pressures of professional rugby and keeping him grounded away from the spotlight.
5. He became the highest-paid player in Premiership Rugby history
When he joined Bath from Racing 92, Russell reportedly signed one of the most lucrative contracts ever seen in English club rugby, underlining his status as one of the biggest names in world rugby.
When he joined Bath from Racing 92, Russell reportedly signed one of the most lucrative contracts ever seen in English club rugby, underlining his status as one of the biggest names in world rugby.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Ellie Kildunne quits Harlequins to join rivals
- Shaun Edwards makes his feeling clear on England return
- Ma’a Nonu departs Toulon with immediate effect aged 44
- The best kits in international rugby (Ranked 10-1)
QUIZ: Can you name every Gallagher PREM winning captain since 2000?
Think you know your rugby history? This quiz will test your memory and knowledge of the game’s leaders — your task is simple: name every Premiership Rugby–winning captain since 2000.
From legendary skippers who lifted multiple trophies to surprise champions who made history, see if you can recall them all. Get ready to scrum down and show off your Premiership pedigree!
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Loading