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Conflicting reports on Finn Russell's future as English 10 enters ring

By Ian Cameron
Finn Russell of Racing 92 during the Heineken Champions Cup Pool A Round 1 match between Racing 92 and Leinster at Stade Océane in Le Havre, France. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

There are conflicting reports in the UK and French media this week over whether or not Finn Russell will sign for Bath or stay put at Racing 92.

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The 30-year-old fly-half, who has been one of the standout performers in the Top 14 this season, is believed to be on the radar of the English Premiership side as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign.

The Rugby Paper reported on the weekend that the deal has fallen through, with Russell deciding against joining the Gallagher Premiership strugglers. Meanwhile, Midi Olympique reports that Russell is on the verge of signing for Johann van Graan’s side.

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According to reports Russell’s new offer from Racing 92 was significantly less than his current contract, with the Parisians lining up Exeter Chiefs Joe Simmonds. Simmonds, despite his success with Exeter, has failed to crack the England squad and could now be looking at following Montpellier bound brother Sam Simmonds in switching to France.

All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett has also been linked with a move to the Parisian big spenders, who were spanked last weekend by Leinster in the opening round of the Champions Cup in Le Havre.

Born in Glasgow, Russell started his professional career with Glasgow Warriors before making the move to Racing 92 in 2018. Since then, he has established himself as one of the best fly-halves in Europe, showcasing his impressive playmaking abilities and kicking game.

The news of Bath’s interest in Russell made headlines throughout the rugby world, with many fans and pundits alike questioning whether he would be willing to leave the French giants for a move to the Premiership.

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The signing of Russell would be a major coup for Bath, and would undoubtedly bolster their attacking options and help them to compete with the likes of Saracens, Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers at the top of the table.

The next few weeks are set to be crucial in determining Russell’s future, and it remains to be seen whether he will make the move to Bath Rugby. Regardless of what happens, one thing is for certain: Finn Russell is one of the hottest prospects in European rugby, and his signature would be a major boost for any club.

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Bull Shark 2 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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