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Premiership

Scotland and British & Irish Lion international Finn Russell chooses Bath

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Bath Rugby can confirm the signing of Finn Russell, an exciting addition to Johann van Graan’s squad.

The 30-year-old will link up with the Blue, Black and White following the 2023 Rugby World Cup after a stellar four seasons at Racing 92.

Russell’s playmaking ability and excellent kicking game have seen him become one of the most lauded players in the northern hemisphere. He will join a Bath squad which has already seen recent recruits Ted Hill, Ollie Lawrence and Alfie Barbeary commit for the long term. 

“Finn is a world-class player who will significantly add to our squad on and off the field,” Head of Rugby Johann van Graan said.

“To be able to attract players of Finn’s quality to Bath Rugby is a credit to how far we have come as a club and a group since 11 July.

“We look forward to welcoming his experience, leadership and expertise to the Blue, Black and White.”



During his time in France, Russell has been a standout performer in the Top 14 with 272 points scored from 66 games to date. His European form has also been excellent; the influential fly-half has played in 27 Champions Cup matches for the Parisians, aiding their run to the 2019/20 final. 

He debuted for Glasgow Warriors in 2012 and a year later spent 15 weeks in New Zealand on a scholarship, honing skills that would later help him play a key part in the Glasgow squad that tasted PRO12 glory in 2015, the same year he featured in his first Rugby World Cup.

Russell has earned 65 Scotland caps since his first international outing in 2014 and has often proved the game changer and match winner, earning accolades from fans and pundits alike.

The Scot’s form for club and country saw him tour with the Lions in both 2017 and 2021, winning his first Test cap for the iconic touring side in the latter tour’s third Test against South Africa, kicking 11 points in their narrow, series-defining match against the world champions.

On joining Bath, Russell said: “To be able to join such a historic, well-supported club is really exciting.

“I know players at Bath who speak highly of the environment, and the direction the club is going in is something I want to be a part of.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Racing 92 and I’ve learned a lot. Now is the right time for a new challenge, in a new league, with the aim of moving Bath back to the top end of the Premiership and competing for domestic and European titles.”


WANT TO JOIN US AT THE REC TOO?

Tickets remain on sale for our final home match of the calendar year!

The Blue, Black and White host Newcastle Falcons on Saturday 31 December at 15:00 – the perfect warm-up for your New Year’s Eve evening celebrations!

Tickets are priced from £25 for adults, £20 for students and £15 for juniors!

Like Finn, we can’t wait for you to join us!

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR BATH RUGBY V NEWCASTLE FALCONS


 

Content & Images from – Bath Rugby


Premiership

SHARKS TO SIGN FIJI SKIPPER NAYACALEVU

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Sale Sharks have agreed a deal to sign Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu from French Top14 side Toulon. 

The explosive centre, who starred for his country during the recent World Cup, has signed a one-year contract with an option for a further year. 

He will join up with Alex Sanderson’s Sharks squad ahead of the start of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season. 

Waisea, 33, said: “I’ve watched the Premiership for a long time and it’s always been in the back of my mind that I would love to play there one day and experience rugby in England. 

“Now that opportunity has arrived and I’m really, really happy and grateful. I’m so excited to get over there and join the boys and see how I can contribute to the team. 

“I have spoken to Telusa Veainu and he only has positive things to say about the club and about Manchester. 

“I’m looking forward to playing with some of the guys I’ve played against, like Tom Curry and George Ford. But I also know there are a lot of really talented young players in the Sale Sharks squad and I’m excited to share my experience and help them develop as much as I can.  

“I told Alex that it’s what I’ve been doing for the last few years of my career and it’s something I’m passionate about.” 

Nayacalevu, who stands at 6’4” and weighs in at 16st 7lb, spent ten years at Top14 side Stade Français before making the switch to Toulon in 2022.  

He has won 34 caps for Fiji, slotting in at both centre and on the wing, and captained his country at last year’s World Cup, where the Pacific Islanders made the quarter-finals, losing 30-24 to England in Marseille. 

He also famously scored for Fiji in their memorable pre-World Cup win against England at Twickenham. 

Images & Content from Sale Sharks Rugby


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Falcons star to join Saracens

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Phil Brantingham to join Saracens

Tuesday 05 March 2024 Written by: Tom Grisedale

Prop-forward Phil Brantingham will leave Newcastle Falcons in the summer to join Saracens.

The 22-year-old has played 25 games for his home town club, and leaves with the thanks and best wishes of everyone at the Falcons.

Chairman of rugby Matt Thompson said: “Phil has done well for us and we made him a good offer to stay here.

“We respect his decision and wish him all the best for his move in the summer, but between now and then he will be fully committed to finishing the season strongly for Newcastle Falcons.”

Source – Newcastle Falcons Rugby


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Premiership

WIESE SET TO RETURN TO SA

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Sale Sharks can confirm that forward Cobus Wiese will leave the club at the end of the season to return to South Africa. 

The 26-year-old lock has played almost 80 games for the club and scored five tries since joining from the DHL Stormers ahead of the 2020/21 season. 

He played a key role last year as Sale reached the Premiership final, and this season he has featured a further 13 times for Alex Sanderson’s side. 

Alex said: “Cobus will be missed by all of us on so many levels. He’s the most polite and courteous of people off the field, but the most wildly excitable man on the field, and on a night out. 

“To say Cobus wears his heart on his sleeve is to do him a disservice with regards to his emotional commitment for which his body has paid the price on occasion.  

“He leads by example and has earnt the respect and adoration of the group both on a professional and a personal level. We wish him every success and happiness with his move back home.” 

Everyone at Sale Sharks would like to thank Cobus for his contribution to the club and the team during his time here and we wish him all the very best for the future.  

Images & Content from Sale Sharks Rugby


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