Scotland fly-half Finn Russell could quit Bath for Premiership rivals

Saturday, 29 March 2025 at 16:25

byRugby Rucker

As Bath’s £1.2m man Finn Russell approaches the final year of his blockbuster contract, the race to secure his signature is heating up.

RugbyPass
has revealed that five clubs from the Gallagher Premiership, Top 14, and Japan are positioning themselves to launch negotiations next July.

Bristol Bears' Ambitious Plans

Bristol Bears owner Steve Lansdown has placed Russell at the top of his wishlist. The aim? To pair the Scotland and Lions superstar with his compatriot Tom Jordan, whom Bristol hope to bring on board next summer. The West Country club clearly means business, and Russell could be a crucial piece in their rebuilding puzzle.

A Chat in the Stands

Rumors gained traction when Russell was spotted in deep conversation with Racing 92 president Laurent Travers.

The meeting took place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield during Scotland’s 32-15 defeat to South Africa last Autumn, a scene that sparked speculation about a potential return to the Paris-based club he starred for before joining Bath.

Stade Français and Saracens Interested

Stade Français are another heavyweight contender eager to speak with Russell. Meanwhile, the ever-dominant Saracens have also thrown their hat in the ring, hoping to add the Scottish magician to their squad. The Champions Cup-winning side’s interest underlines Russell’s status as a true game-changer.

Japan Beckons?

Adding an exotic twist to the saga, Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks have emerged as suitors. Coached by Russell’s former teammate Greig Laidlaw, the D-Rocks could offer a lucrative and lifestyle-driven move to the Land of the Rising Sun. As the negotiations draw closer, the intrigue around Russell's next destination continues to grow.

Five bolters who could make Andy Farrell’s British & Irish Lions squad

With the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia on the horizon, Andy Farrell will already have a good idea of his core squad.

However, every Lions tour throws up a few surprises — those unexpected names who force their way into the conversation with standout performances and undeniable potential.

Here are five players who could make a late surge into the squad and punch their ticket Down Under.

Henry Pollock (England)

England’s young openside sensation

Henry Pollock might not yet be a household name, but that could change very quickly. The Northampton Saints flanker has been turning heads with his all-action performances and ability to wreak havoc at the breakdown. Pollock’s knack for sniffing out turnovers and his relentless work rate make him a nightmare for opposition teams.

Still young, but with a rapidly rising stock, Pollock’s fearless approach and natural instincts at the breakdown could provide Farrell with a raw but exciting option in the back-row. If he maintains his current trajectory, he could easily be a surprise inclusion for the Lions.

WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES

2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
4 x Night’s accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
7 x Night’s accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
Additional events to be announced

The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.

UK CUSTOMERS LEARN MORE HERE

Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)

Wales’ next great leader in waiting

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter believes Dafydd Jenkins is destined to wear the famous red jersey of the Lions, and that moment could come sooner than expected. The 22-year-old lock might have been part of a struggling Wales side during the Six Nations, but his individual performances stood out.

Jenkins has the size, work rate, and leadership qualities that scream Lions material. He thrives in the engine room, where his physicality in the tight exchanges and his ability to disrupt opposition mauls make him a menace. With Maro Itoje and Tadhg Beirne expected to lead the lock options, Jenkins offers a young, hungry alternative who could thrive in the brutal environment of a Test series.

Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)

Scotland’s relentless back-row enforcer

The back-row battle for Lions spots is always fiercely contested, but Jamie Ritchie’s performances during the Six Nations have propelled him into the conversation. The Scottish flanker showcased his class throughout the tournament, growing in influence as the rounds went by.

Ritchie brings a unique blend of aggression, breakdown expertise, and tireless work ethic that makes him an ideal fit for a Lions tour. He’s a traditional blindside flanker who thrives in the tight exchanges but is also capable of disrupting opposition ball and contributing as a key link player. Farrell will need warriors who can go the distance, and Ritchie fits the bill perfectly.

Blair Murray (Wales)

Wales’ electric back-three wildcard

Blair Murray may be the biggest gamble on this list, but his performances during the Six Nations showed glimpses of real promise. Despite Wales’ struggles, Murray stood out with his ability to carve open defences and create moments of magic from nowhere.

The Lions back three is far from settled, and Murray’s versatility — equally comfortable on the wing or at fullback — adds another layer of appeal. His blistering pace and sharp footwork give him the potential to be a real game-breaker, and if he continues to develop, Farrell could be tempted to roll the dice.

Chandler Cunningham-South (England)

England’s bruising back-row powerhouse

Chandler Cunningham-South has quietly been building a reputation as one of England’s most promising back-rowers. His powerful ball-carrying, physical presence, and tireless work rate make him an asset that any coach would want in their squad.

Cunningham-South has the rare ability to dominate collisions, providing front-foot ball and halting opposition momentum in defence. His versatility across the back-row is another feather in his cap, and if he continues to develop his game, he could easily emerge as a surprise bolter for the Lions.