JUST IN: Bath flyhalf addresses talk of his retirement

Finn Russell is determined to extend his playing career as long as possible, with the goal of leading Scotland as their primary playmaker at the 2027 World Cup. The Scotland co-captain feels rejuvenated after a summer break, having been rested from the recent tour of North and South America to mentally recharge for a season he hopes will culminate in joining the British and Irish Lions’ tour to Australia.

This marks a stark contrast to the 2021-22 season when Russell felt drained by the relentless rugby schedule, leading to a dip in form, an eight-kilogram weight gain, and doubts about his international future. Now in what he describes as his “best shape in a long time,” partly due to the demands of welcoming his second daughter in January, the star Bath fly-half sees retirement as a distant consideration.

“I’ll be turning 35 during the next World Cup, and I’m definitely planning on making that tournament,” Russell said at a TNT Sports event. “I’m turning 32 next month, and everyone’s asking, ‘What are you going to do after?’ But I’m thinking I’ve still got six or seven years left in me.”

Russell has no plans to retire anytime soon, either from club or international rugby. “I’m going to play as long as I can,” he said. “Some players might decide to call it a day at 34 and move on, but as long as I’m enjoying it and playing well, there’s no reason for me to stop.

The highs you experience in sport are unmatched, and now that I have young kids, I want them to be old enough to remember some of my career. So, I might have to keep playing until I’m 45 if I have another one!”

To ensure financial security after rugby, Russell has been investing in property in Scotland, supported by his lucrative contract with Bath, which reportedly pays him £1 million annually.

Bath’s investment has paid off, with Russell playing a key role in guiding the club to the Gallagher Premiership final in his first season, though they narrowly lost to Northampton.

Looking ahead to life after rugby, Russell is drawn to the idea of a unique coaching role. “I want to set everything up while I’m playing so I can retire on my own terms,” he said. “If I go into coaching, I’d prefer to be a consultant coach, helping young fly-halves develop.

I approach the game differently from many players—I can make a mistake and forget about it immediately. I’d like to help young players adopt that mindset, as too many retreat into their shell after a mistake.”

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