Finn Russell’s advice to Owen Farrell on French move after Siya Kolisi’s failed stint
Scotland fly-half Finn Russell expects England counterpart Owen Farrell to be a hit at Racing 92 but warned him about the intricacies of joining the French outfit.
Farrell left Saracens after 15 seasons and has signed a two-year contract in Paris while Russell is currently plying his trade with Bath. But before his move to the Premiership outfit in 2023, he had a five-year stint at Racing.
The Top 14 club are coached by former England head coach Stuart Lancaster, who gave Farrell his international debut against Scotland at Murrayfield in a Six Nations Test in 2012.
Russell’s warning
And although Russell expects the former England captain to do well at his new side, he warned him about possible pitfalls while playing for a Top 14 club.
“It is a long league. I don’t think he will be used to the length of it,” Russell told the Daily Mail while speaking at an event hosted by TNT Sports.
“You have to change your mindset. But I think (Racing coach) Stuart Lancaster will manage the players differently to French coaches.
“Lancaster and Farrell know each other already and will get on really well. It just depends on what their vision is and what the French vision is.
Siya Kolisi joins five mega-money signings who ‘flopped’ at Racing 92
“That is where the clashes could come, I think. Owen will fit in really well. I got on really well with him in 2021 with the Lions. I had heard he was so focused and intense, but I didn’t see any of that at all.
“I thought he was quite chilled out. He was relaxed.
“I had a laugh with him. If he has got that mindset over there (France) he will be fine. I hope he manages to gel them (Racing) all together.
“I hope he learns the language because that will help him a lot in terms of communication. It is quite easy when you get over there just to speak English.”
Siya Kolisi heading back home
Russell’s advice to Farrell comes after it was revealed recently that Springboks captain Siya Kolisi is set to leave Racing after spending just one season at the club.
Kolisi is set to seal a move back to the Sharks after reportedly struggling to settle in the French capital. He is currently in talks to secure an early exit from his Racing 92 contract that runs until 2026.
The 33-year-old initially joined Racing 92 after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, signing a three-year contract.
However, injuries and fatigue hampered the Bok skipper’s time in Paris and matters weren’t helped when club president Jacky Lorenzetti openly criticised his performances, stating that he had “gained weight, lost shape and was transparent” after their final game of the season.