Bath hope Russell can be catalyst for success
Finn Russell has “bought into the Bath dream” according to the man hoping the mercurial Scotsman can help transform the struggling West Country club's fortunes.
Head coach Johann van Graan also believes the high profile, expensive capture of fly-half Russell may entice more potential big name signings to The Rec in the future.
Russell, 30, has agreed to quit Racing 92 after five years to become the Premiership's highest paid star, signing a lucrative contract with his wages rocketing to an estimated £850,000.
The Lions ace, capped 65 times by his country, will join the English outfit after next year's World Cup in France with Bath's hierarchy praying their show of financial clout in attracting such a marquee player will kick start a new golden era for a club.
Van Graan is relishing the chance to work with the mercurial talent who had some well-noted difficulties with Scotland boss Gregor Townsend in the past, but responded with some stellar displays for his country.
South African van Graan said: “We've got a dream and a vision for the long term future here and world class players want to play with other world class players. When I met with Finn I told him where I want Bath Rugby to go over the next number of years and he bought into that dream.
“He wanted to come and add something to the club. I said six months ago this is not a short term project, it is a long term one. He's very excited about the way forward Europefor both himself and the club. But it's not just about Finn Russell, it's about the whole group of players including the signings we've made over the last few weeks. They are all quality players.
“It's about three key things. Firstly we are adding real talent to the group from the outside. Secondly, we are retaining the players that I wanted to keep here, and the young academy lads are also key to a bright future for Bath. Retaining the likes of John Steel and Archie Griffin was important. Hopefully, we can build something special for the future.”
Van Graan, his firstteam players and coaching staff have been able to enjoy a break from the stresses and strains of trying to raise the club up the Premiership ladder from their lowly position.
And he is hoping a two-week gap from the much-needed New Year's Eve home win over Newcastle Falcons – only their fourth in the league – and their home Europe an clash with Toulon will boost their chances in Europe. Having lost their opening two Pool A contests, Bath face an uphill task to progress and must beat their French visitors on Saturday.
Van Graan insists: “It was good to be able to put our feet up with that win on New Year's Eve, especially with the next bunch of European games coming up shortly. Winning always gives you an extra spring in the step and starting a New Year having won your last game is a good thing.
“I am pragmatic. We have steadily built. We've had games that have got away from us like the Exeter, Gloucester, Saracens games. But there are so many good teams in this division. You are just one loss away from last and just six or seven points away from the top four. It's going to be congested but that's the beauty of the Premiership.
“There are no easy games and it's rare that one team runs away with it. When it does happen it's not down to the quality of the teams it is just when one team plays far better than the other on the day. Everybody can beat everybody. Where else in the world does that happen? It is testament to the quality we have in the Premiership.”
