Finn Russell makes British and Irish Lions admission after Premiership triumph
Bath fly-half Finn Russell walking off after winning the Premiership final
Bath fly-half Finn Russell is under no illusions about what it will take to make the British and Irish Lions Test side this summer, despite firing the West Country side to a historic Premiership title.
The Scotland star played a vital role in yesterday’s showpiece final at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, scoring 13 of his side’s 23 points to help secure their first league title in 29 years.
Russell will also join 15 of his fellow tourists in joining Andy Farrell’s squad after this weekend’s finals, alongside Bath colleague Will Stuart, Leicester’s Ollie Chessum and 12 Leinster players.
Finn Russell addresses Lions hopes after Premiership title win
Bath have enjoyed some huge games this season as they powered their way to a historic treble, and Russell feels that sets him up well for the upcoming challenge of a Lions series.
“I don’t know if it’s a springboard, but I think having won different types of games against Bristol and Leicester is important,” said the Scottish ace.
“Having won a couple of finals and knockout games, when you get to these moments it’s very different. Looking forward to the Lions, there are three Tests and whoever plays, plays, but they’re all effectively knockout games. You want to win the series, if you don’t that’s life, but having knockout games is effective in helping you find a way to win, which is important.
“When you get into the Lions, it’s another level of intensity. You’re playing with the best of the best in Britain and Ireland.”
Challenge ahead of him
The Stirling-native is widely regarded as one of the leading contenders to feature in Farrell’s Test side for the opener against the Wallabies.
However, fellow fly-halves Fin Smith and Marcus Smith have already been involved with the Lions camp in Portugal this week and will provide stern competition come the first Test in July.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge that comes,” said Russell. “Everyone is fighting for these Test spots, and then it’s not just getting a Test it’s winning them. Every session and game before that counts.
“It’s been in the back of my mind since I was named, but we’ve had trophies to win with Bath which we’ve gone and done, but the focus from tomorrow is the Lions. How do I get myself ready for what’s coming?
“When you get there, it’s the best of the best so you have to be on it every day and take your chance when it comes.”
Enjoying the moment
While Russell is now looking ahead to possibly donning the red jersey for his third Lions tour, he is still determined to enjoy the present and celebrate Bath’s historic first Premiership in nearly three decades.
“I’m flying on Monday (to Dublin to join the Lions). I’ve not won much in my career, the last time I won a title like this was 10 years ago, so I’m going to make sure I enjoy it,” he said.
“I think that’s important. If I were to go back home, chill and think about what’s coming up I won’t get a chance to appreciate what we’ve achieved. I’m going to celebrate and properly enjoy this one.
“It’s a special moment when you win stuff. It doesn’t come around often, as I know more than some. Getting to a final is brilliant but when you actually win it, it’s even more special.
“Bath haven’t won (a league title) in 29 years, so when you achieve something so special like that it’s important to celebrate it. It’s not just one game, it’s the past 48 weeks that we’ve been going and what we’ve put in to getting here. I can enjoy it.”
