Second Leinster player agrees Gloucester switch

Gloucester have signed Leinster wing Rob Russell ahead of next season.

The former Ireland U20 international, 26, will join his team-mate Ross Byrne in making the move to Kingsholm from Dublin over the summer.

George Skivington’s side will see plenty of change in their back-three division over the coming weeks, with Russell joining Ben Loader and Ben Redshaw in filling the void that will be left by Bath-bound Santiago Carreras and Christian Wade, who has embarked on a career in rugby league.

Russell will arrive with a reputation for sniffing out tries, having crossed the whitewash 18 times in his 35 appearances for Leinster since making his debut in 2021.

Fixture

Gallagher Premiership

Bath

23 - 21

Full-time

Leicester

All Stats and Data

“I honestly can’t wait to get started at Gloucester,” Russell said after signing.

“The Gallagher Premiership is one of the toughest leagues in the world, and I’m relishing testing myself against some seriously talented players.

“But most of all, I’m excited to meet the lads there that have been doing some great stuff this season, and I look forward to getting started working with George (Skivington) and James (Lightfoot-Brown) and working in a system that I believe will bring the very best out of me.”

Skivington added: “I’ll echo what I said when we signed Ross Byrne earlier this year, there aren’t many better academies to come through and learn your trade than Leinster.

“Rob has really shown what he can do when given the opportunity. He’s got a pretty decent strike rate for Leinster (almost one try every two games), and he’s motivated for a new challenge in the Gallagher Premiership.

“We’re delighted with our back-three talent already, but to add someone like Rob, who covers across the three positions and has all the attacking assets we’re looking for, is really pleasing.”