- Flyhalf wants to play until next World Cup, when he will be 35
- The Bath playmaker has been named Scotland co-captain at this year’s Six Nations Championship.
- Russell made his international debut in 2014 and has already won 80 caps for Scotland.
Finn Russell has insisted he is fully committed to Scotland and is set to lead Gregor Townsend’s side to the 2027 World Cup in Australia as the No.10.
The Bath-born playmaker, who was a playmaker for Glasgow and Racing 92, has been named co-captain under Townsend for this year’s Six Nations Championship.
Russell and Townsend left the Scotland squad in 2020 due to their previous feuding relationship and were also left unselected for the 2022 autumn series.
But now the pair are on the same page, and Russell’s commitment to another four-year cycle will greatly improve Scotland’s chances of success during that period.
Finn Russell plans to represent Scotland for as long as possible.
National team manager Gregor Townsend rests Russell for Scotland summer tour
Asked if he would consider competing in the next World Cup, Russell, a TNT Sports ambassador, said: “Of course. I turn 32 in September. My birthday is usually around the World Cup so I will be 35 during the tournament. I definitely plan to compete in the World Cup.”
‘I don’t plan on retiring any time soon. I know I want to play as long as possible. Some players might think they can retire at 34 and get a job.
‘But as long as I’m still enjoying it and doing well, there’s no reason for me to stop. You go through a lot of lows in sport but the highs you can’t get anywhere else.’ Russell has been a key figure for Scotland since making his Test debut in 2014. He has already played 80 times for his country, having represented them at the 2015, 2019 and 2023 World Cups.
At 31, he is undoubtedly one of the best flyhalves in the world.
Russell missed Scotland’s summer tour to rest after reaching an agreement with Townsend during the Six Nations Championship.
Russell recently became a father for the second time after welcoming another daughter with partner Emma at Sky. Russell said creating family memories was part of his desire to play for as long as possible. He will soon be back in action for Bath when the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season begins on September 21.
Finn Russell is set for another season at Bath after impressing last term.
The focus will then be on Scotland’s autumn campaign and their fixtures against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal and Australia.
‘I have young kids now, so hopefully they’re old enough to remember some of my career. And once I have kids, I might have to play until I’m 45,’ Russell said with a laugh.
‘I have photos of me and my daughter running around Murrayfield and Bath, but she won’t remember any of it. In four or five years she will remember them.
‘I wouldn’t say it’s a necessary goal, but it’s a goal I’d like to have. I don’t plan on finishing in rugby.’
