Bath’s Premiership Title Pursuit Suffers Setback as Finn Russell Faces Significant Injury
Bath’s surging Premiership title pursuit has suffered a major setback as the West Country club fears Scotland’s talismanic fly-half Finn Russell may not feature again this season due to a ‘significant’ groin injury.
The 31-year-old co-captain was forced off early in the Champions Cup clash with Exeter on April 6 and has begun his rehabilitation, though the timeline for his return remains uncertain. Russell’s creative brilliance in his debut campaign at The Rec has propelled Bath to second in the table, but with only four regular-season matches left, his absence could prove detrimental to Johann van Graan’s ambitious side.
On Saturday, Bath travel back to Devon to face the Chiefs at Sandy Park, aware that five clubs sit within five points of their current tally of 44 points. The race for playoff positions is incredibly tight, heightening the significance of potentially having to cope without their inspirational play-maker and his club and country teammate, Cameron Redpath.
“He injured his groin, was twisted, and the injury is what we call ‘significant’. It’s not something he’ll shake off in five or six days, which is why we’re seeking expert advice. Rory [Murray, head of medical] is world-class, and we’ll leave no stone unturned to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
— Johann van Graan, Bath Head Coach
When pressed on whether Russell’s season is over, the South African added:
“If any of our players have a season-ending injury, we’ll report that. Finn wants to return as quickly as he can, whether that’s in a week or six weeks, as soon as he’s medically and rugby-ready.”
The arrival of Russell at Bath has had a transformative impact on the club and the Premiership as a whole. Van Graan spoke warmly about the Scot’s influence, both on and off the field, praising his artistry, sense of fun, dedication and desire to help his teammates.
“Finn does everything in life with a smile. He came to improve Bath – he didn’t come for himself – and he’s had a huge impact in our group, potentially more off the field than on the field. He’s his own man. He has fitted into our group so, so well and he’s one of the lads.”
This significant injury to their star playmaker is a major blow to Bath’s Premiership title ambitions, but the club remains hopeful that Russell can make a full recovery before the end of the season.
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