Bath fly-half Finn Russell has issued a stark warning to his teammates, insisting the club must raise their standards quickly if they are to mount a genuine challenge for the Champions Cup this season.
Bath, who captured a historic treble last year—winning the Premiership, the Prem Rugby Cup, and the European Challenge Cup—have struggled to make a significant impact in Europe’s premier club competition, failing to progress beyond the last 16 in the past decade.
While the club’s domestic form has been inconsistent, including a 20-point home defeat to Northampton and a tense last-gasp victory over Exeter, Russell believes the potential for a European breakthrough is still within reach—but only if Bath improve immediately.
Russell Calls for Improvement
Russell, who has scored 88 points and assisted four tries so far this season, emphasized the need for focus and consistency:
“I think we have a long way to go. In this tournament, you’re up against the best in the world,” he said.
“Ideally we can get the home play-offs and then go on from there, but if we’re going to really compete in this tournament—as a group of players and staff—we have to be better than we have been this year already. We’re probably not satisfied with how we are playing, which is a good place to be in given that we’re in strong positions in both competitions, but we know there’s a lot more life in us.”
With one game remaining in the pool stage, Bath are currently top of their group, on course for a home last-16 fixture. Their closest rivals, second-placed Edinburgh, will face the Scots in a crucial match on Friday night, while French side Toulon lurks to capitalize on any slip-up.
European Ambitions: A Personal Goal for Russell
Despite Bath’s limited pedigree in the Champions Cup, Russell brings extensive experience in the tournament’s latter stages. The Scotland international played for Racing 92, finishing as runners-up to Exeter in the 2020 final and being eliminated by La Rochelle in the 2022 semi-finals.
“Yeah, I’d say so,” Russell said when asked if winning Europe represented his ‘Holy Grail’.
“I’d love to win Europe. After getting so close in that game against Exeter, we probably should have won with Racing. For me, having been so close before, it would be amazing to do it with Bath.”
Russell’s Champions Cup final in 2020 was notably played in front of empty stands due to COVID-19 restrictions, adding another layer of personal motivation to succeed this time around.
Attack Restructuring Under Martin Gleeson
Bath are still adjusting after attack coach Lee Blackett departed to join England’s coaching staff at the start of the season. Martin Gleeson, who previously led England’s attack between 2021 and 2023, has taken over, initially seeing Bath rely on a forward-based pick-and-go game.
However, Russell notes that the team has gradually returned to a wider, more expansive style reminiscent of last season:
“Since the November Tests, we’ve spoken more about playing a bit more expansively, like we used to do. Lee and Gleese are different attack coaches with different views on running an attack shape, so it’s about figuring out what works best for us. In the last three games, we’ve probably gone slightly wider off 10 and had more joy with that.”
This evolution will be crucial as Bath face a physically dominant and tactical Edinburgh side, who will look to exploit any hesitation in the attacking channels.
Pool Stage Showdown: Bath vs Edinburgh
The Champions Cup clash between Bath and Edinburgh at The Rec on Friday 16 January, kick-off 20:00 GMT, is expected to be a high-intensity contest. Bath players are familiar with the Scottish challenge, and Russell anticipates a competitive battle, especially against former Scotland teammates.
“It’s always good fun. I’ve already texted Duhan [van der Merwe] to say ‘just be ready for the balls in the air’,” Russell joked.
Edinburgh hooker Ewan Ashman has teased that Bath and Scotland flanker Josh Bayliss is “a nice guy,” but he’s intent on claiming bragging rights over Russell and fellow Scot Cameron Redpath during the encounter.
Looking Ahead: Bath’s European Hopes
With one pool stage game remaining, Bath are positioned to secure a home tie in the last 16, a crucial advantage in their quest for a Champions Cup title. Russell’s experience and leadership will be pivotal as the club seeks to translate domestic dominance into European success.
Key Facts
- Player: Finn Russell, Bath fly-half, 88 points this season, 4 try assists.
- Competitions: Champions Cup, Premiership, Prem Rugby Cup.
- Bath European Record: Last 16 over the past decade.
- Next Game: Bath vs Edinburgh, Champions Cup pool stage, Friday 16 January, 20:00 GMT.
- Coach: Martin Gleeson replacing Lee Blackett, shift to a wider attacking style.
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