Bath Rugby have pulled off a major coup by tying down superstar fly-half Finn Russell on a bumper new deal that runs until June 2028.
The British & Irish Lions magician is now one of the highest-paid players in the game, with his new contract reportedly worth a staggering £1 million per season — a jaw-dropping £3 million package over three years.
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Russell had been linked with a move away, with both Racing 92 — his former club — and Bristol Bears reportedly interested in luring the mercurial playmaker. But Bath have managed to fend off the competition to keep hold of their marquee No.10.
Russell joined Bath in 2023 on an initial three-year deal and has since made a massive impact. He’s racked up 45 appearances and 420 points across all competitions — including four tries — and finished the 2024/25 season as the Gallagher Premiership’s leading points scorer with 183 points.
That form played a key role in Bath’s historic campaign, as Johann van Graan’s side completed a domestic and European treble. Now, the 32-year-old will remain central to the club’s ambitions for the next three seasons.
“I have loved my time here at Bath. It’s a great team and a great club. We’ve come a long way over the last couple of years, and I am really looking forward to staying here and seeing what the club can achieve,” Russell said.
“The fans have been outstanding since I got here. We’ve had some big results at home and that’s just our way of giving back to the fans and trying to represent them in the right way.
“The way the club is developing and with the young players coming through, the belief and confidence that we’ve got week-to-week is just growing. There are some brilliant new signings coming in as well who will be great additions to the club, and I can’t wait to get started next season.”
Bath’s Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, hailed the news as a major boost for the club’s long-term project.
“It’s amazing news. Finn is one of the world’s best 10s, a player who performs in the big moments and more importantly he’s an incredible team man and a family man. He is one of the lads, his training is exceptional, and he’s added so much to our group.
“It’s great that he’ll be staying on at Bath Rugby and continuing his journey with the Blue, Black and White.”
With interest from abroad and closer to home brushed aside, Bath fans can now look forward to seeing Russell continue to light up The Rec until at least 2028.
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Four Lions Who WON’T Feature in the Test Series vs Australia
With the first Test just over a week away, the Lions coaches are narrowing down their selections — and the pressure is at boiling point.
While some players have grabbed their chances, others have faltered at the worst possible moment.
Whether it’s form, fitness, or simply being outplayed by teammates, these four big names look set to miss out when the Lions take on the Wallabies in the Test arena.
1. Fin Smith
Opportunity missed.
There was a real sense that Fin Smith needed a standout showing to stay in the mix for the No.10 jersey — especially with Owen Farrell lurking and Marcus Smith offering more versatility.
Instead, the Saints fly-half delivered two underwhelming performances. He looked nervy against Argentina and struggled to control the game against the Waratahs, forcing too much and paying the price with errors.
With Finn Russell locked in and both Farrell and Marcus Smith ahead of him, Fin’s Test hopes have likely faded.
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2. Pierre Schoeman
Overpowered when it mattered most.
The Lions scrum was meant to be a weapon — but against the Western Force, it was anything but. Schoeman struggled to assert himself and was part of a front row that got bullied.
With Ellis Genge putting in a dominant display the previous week, the Scottish loosehead couldn’t have picked a worse time to fall short. His usual power and edge just weren’t there.
Ireland’s Andrew Porter looks primed to take the bench role, leaving Schoeman on the outside looking in.
3. Duhan van der Merwe
Class is permanent — but form is everything.
Four years ago, Duhan van der Merwe was the Lions’ wrecking ball. But this tour, he’s looked sluggish, short on sharpness, and lacking his usual cutting edge.
Injuries have clearly disrupted his preparation, and it’s shown. Defensively vulnerable and ineffective in attack, he’s lost serious ground.
With James Lowe and Tommy Freeman both impressing, it’s hard to see how Duhan forces his way back into the Test conversation in time.
4. Tom Curry
Not the return he needed.
Few positions are more hotly contested than openside flanker — and Tom Curry just hasn’t done enough to separate himself. Against the Brumbies, he worked hard and managed an assist, but it wasn’t clean.
Turnovers, penalties, and a second-half fade led to an early substitution. Meanwhile, Jac Morgan and Josh van der Flier are ticking all the boxes, and Ben Earl’s versatility adds even more value.
Curry’s class is undeniable, but on current form, he looks set to miss the Test 23.
