CONFIRMED: Scotland star to join Van Graan's Bath

TRANSFER NEWS: Bath confirmed 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  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."