The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Racing 92-bound Scotland rugby star Finn Russell setting his sights high
Finn Russell is targeting European Champions Cup glory after it was announced he will join Racing 92 at the end of the season.
The Scotland fly-half revealed his decision to leave Glasgow last week with France the likely destination, and Racing have confirmed he will join as a replacement for Dan Carter.
Russell was a key figure in a promising autumn for Scotland, where they beat Australia and Samoa while running New Zealand close, but he has already set his sights high when he arrives in France next season.
“I had the chance to play six seasons in Glasgow,” he told racing92.fr.
“But for me, for my progress, I felt it was time to change the environment.
“Like any rugby player my goal is to win; I want to win titles with Racing. It is a club determined to play as many finals as possible and win. It’s really my main goal, and Racing has all the potential to get the Champions Cup or Top 14, I cannot wait to help them win.
“It’s a great club. I’m looking forward to settling down and playing with my new team-mates as well as working with the coaches and all the staff.”
Russell has the unenviable task of trying to fill the boots of former All Black Carter, who recently announced his decision to move to Japan to join Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers – much to the disappointment of the Warriors playmaker.
He said: “I’ve faced Dan a few times and I know he’s one of the best players in the world today. He has really done great things here, I feel the love that the club has for him. I did not really think of Dan’s departure, I thought maybe he would still be there, I would have learned a lot from him.”
Meanwhile George Horne reckons he has given Glasgow a major selection headache.
The rookie scrum-half has produced a string of brilliant displays while main-men Ali Price and Henry Pyrgos have been on Scotland duty.
Now Horne is confident he can challenge them for a place in the starting line-up in the Pro14 tussle with Cardiff at Scotstoun on Friday.
After bagging two try-doubles in successive league matches, Horne declared: “Ali and Henry have been in great form in the autumn Tests. But I believe I have also done a pretty good job with the Warriors during that time. “That can only be good for the club. “I absolutely feel I am up to the pace at Pro14 level, though I still have lots to learn. I just want to get as many matches under my belt as possible – I don’t want to be here just to be third choice.”
Australia forward Sekope Kepu has been handed a three-week suspension for a flying shoulder charge on Scotland’s Hamish Watson during the first half of the 53-24 Test defeat at Murrayfield.
The ban will be held over until the start of next year as Australia are not scheduled to play again until then.
Kepu was shown a red card after his badly mistimed challenge ended with Watson being struck on the side of the head.
An independent World Rugby-appointed disciplinary committee ruled to suspend Kepu until midnight on March 4 2018. The player has the right of appeal.