Russell to leave Warriors at end of the season

Scotland stand-off Finn Russell is to leave Glasgow Warriors at the end of the season, it was confirmed last night.

The 25-year-old, who played in Saturday’s dramatic 22-17 loss to New Zealand at BT Murrayfield, has been linked with a bigmoney move to France and it is believed that Paris club Racing 92 have secured his services.

Russell is one of Scotland’s star players and it will be a blow to the SRU that he will be outwith its player management structure heading towards the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

However, with his contract up at the end of the season it has been widely rumoured that he would be moving on to test himself outside Scotland.

Russell, who spent time on this year’s Lions tour as injury cover, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my five years at Glasgow Warriors. I would like to thank every player, coach and member of the backroom staff for making it so special.

“During my time at the club I’ve really developed as a player and I’ve been called up to the Scotland and British and Irish Lions squads.

“I’ve shared so many fantastic moments with people who are now friends for life and to do it in front of the amazing Glasgow Warriors supporters at Scotstoun has been a dream

come true. I’ve always wanted to experience as much as I can during what is a short rugby career.

“It was obviously a difficult decision to leave Glasgow, but I have the opportunity to take myself out of my comfort zone and experience a new culture and type of rugby.

“However, I am fully focused on Glasgow Warriors and will do everything I can to make my final season at Scotstoun a successful one.” Glasgow managing director Nathan Bombrys added: “Our club has an excellent track record of retaining our key players in recent years. However, in this instance Finn has decided to move on and accept a lucrative opportunity at another club.”

Meanwhile, the Scotland medical staff were busy yesterday assessing a number of new injury concerns which buffeted the home team in Saturday’s titanic Test with the world champions. The Scots lost flanker Hamish Watson (back), tighthead Zander Fagerson (concussion), debutant replacement back-rower Luke Hamilton (ankle) and centre Alex Dunbar (concussion) in the course of a pulsating match.

Updates on the injuries are expected today as the squad prepare for their final autumn Test against Australia on Saturday.

“I don’t think we’ll have as heavy a week as we had this week,” said Scotland coach Gregor Townsend. “With the effort the players put in I don’t think many will be around on Monday.”