- Flyhalf eager to play on until next World Cup, when he will be 35
- Bath playmaker was made Scotland co-captain during this year’s Six Nations
- Russell made his international debut in 2014 and has already won 80 caps for Scotland
Finn Russell has insisted he remains totally committed to Scotland and plans on leading Gregor Townsend’s side from No 10 through to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
The Bath and former Glasgow and Racing 92 playmaker was made co-captain of the national side by head coach Townsend for this year’s Six Nations.
Russell and Townsend had previously had a fractious relationship which led to the fly-half leaving the Scotland squad in 2020 and not being selected for the autumn series of 2022.
Now, though, the two are on the same page and Russell’s commitment for the next four-year cycle is a huge boost to Scotland’s chances of success in that time.
Finn Russell plans to keep on playing for Scotland as long as possible
National head coach Gregor Townsend rested Russell for Scotland’s summer tour
Asked if he had the next global tournament in his sights, Russell – a TNT Sports ambassador – said: ‘For sure. I’ll be 32 in September. Usually my birthday is in the World Cup, so I’ll be turning 35 during the tournament. I’m definitely planning on making that World Cup.
‘I’ve not got any notion of retiring any time soon. I know I want to keep playing as long as I can. Some players might have an idea that at 34 they will call it a day and get a job.
‘But as long as I’m still enjoying it and playing well, there is no point in me stopping. You get a lot of lows in sport, but the highs you get you can’t get anywhere else.’ Since his 2014 Test debut, Russell has been a key figure for Scotland. He has already represented his country at three World Cups in 2015, 2019 and 2023, winning a total of 80 caps.
The 31-year-old is undoubtedly one of the world’s best fly-halves.
Russell missed Scotland’s summer tour matches to rest after coming to an agreement with Townsend on that during the Six Nations.
Russell has recently become a father for the second time after he and his partner Emma welcomed another daughter in Skye. Russell has said making family memories is part of his desire to play for as long as possible. He will soon be back in action with Bath when the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season begins on September 21.
Finn Russell is ready for another season at Bath after impressing last term
Focus will then turn to Scotland’s autumn campaign and matches with Fiji, South Africa, Portugal and Australia.
‘Having young kids now, I’d love for them to be old enough to remember some of my career. I might have to play until I’m 45 if I have another one,’ Russell said with a laugh.
‘I’ve got photos of me and my daughter at Murrayfield running around and at Bath, but she won’t remember any of those. In another four or five years, she’ll remember them.
‘I wouldn’t say it is a goal I need, but it’s something I’d love to have. I’ve got no intention of finishing up from rugby.’
