Finn Russell is very rarely out of the news these days, and it appears that the maverick fly-half is about to create more noise as he looks to leave Racing 92.
After his turbulent in-and-out journey with Scotland, it seemed like things were finally settled with Russell returning to the International starting lineup. Firstly guiding the Scots in a tough battle against the All Blacks, before then helping his side secure a dominant win over Argentina last weekend. The fly-half was involved in all eight tries in Scotland's promising performance, an act that will give him plenty of credit in the bank with fans.
As for head coach Gregor Townsend, he had the following to say regarding Russell's recall:
“Over the last few weeks he’s got into his best form and that can be easier to do at your club team. But to be able to do it against New Zealand and again on Saturday, it’s great for us. It’s been a real positive he’s come in and played so well. The work he puts in now, in defence, you saw him make three tackles in a row at one stage, working hard to get back at kicks, working to get on ball more, that can only be a good thing if your best and most creative players are getting more touches in a game.”
With Scotlands autumn internationals now completed, Russell has headed back to Paris to be with his partner, who is due to give birth to their first child.
Reflecting on how Fatherhood will affect Russell's life, Townsend reflected on the changes the number ten may need to make:
“I think it could change his personality, he’s talked about changes already, there’s a big change in life when your partner is at home a lot and you’re preparing for a baby. I'm sure the next change will be bigger but they’re definitely ready for that, him and Emma. For him to be able to do what he’s done for the last two weeks ... in really good physical shape which shows how hard he’s been working to bring out the best in his career.”
When it comes to changes, there are very little bigger than uprooting and moving to a different country, but that appears to be exactly what may be on the horizon for Russell and his young family, as Bath look to be closing in on a huge deal for the 30-year-old.
Should this deal go through, Bath will have the benefit of years of top-level, world-class experience at their disposal, capable of guiding a young Bath team back to the top.
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