Bath are a side transformed since the Scottish playmaker returned from the World Cup to weave his magic on the Premiership.
Johann van Graan’s side are second to Sale Sharks only on points difference in the Premiership table and have a first Champions Cup win under their belts in nearly four years.
Russell hasn’t been the only contributory factor but his confident presence on the pitch seems to have brought the best out of those around him; it is no coincidence that captain and scrum-half Ben Spencer and Ollie Lawrence won back-toback Premiership Player of the Month awards before the European campaign began with victory against Ulster.
As the father of a one year-old daughter, it seems moving to Bath has come at just the right time for Russell and the two parties – player and club – appear to be the perfect fit.
However, the 31-yearold admits that there were some initial misgivings about the style of rugby that he might be asked to play under a South African coach known for a more conservative outlook than his.
“He (van Graan) was at Munster before who kicked the ball a lot, so I was a bit sceptical about how it would be with me coming here,” Russell admitted.
“I just asked is that the way you want to play with Bath because if that is the way then I am probably not best suited to that style of rugby.
“He just said that he is always open to ideas and bringing in Lee Blackett shows the way he is looking to play with him being such a good attack coach.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 17, 2023-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 17, 2023-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
