{"id":326818,"date":"2025-08-08T03:05:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T03:05:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/326818\/"},"modified":"2025-08-08T03:05:09","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T03:05:09","slug":"finn-russell-is-now-the-highest-paid-player-in-the-world-after-new-contract","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/326818\/","title":{"rendered":"Finn Russell is now the highest paid player in the world after new contract"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bath Rugby have pulled off a major coup by tying down superstar fly-half Finn Russell on a bumper new deal that runs until June 2028.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The British & Irish Lions magician is now one of the highest-paid players in the game, with his new contract reportedly worth a staggering\u00a0\u00a31 million per season<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 a jaw-dropping\u00a0\u00a33 million package<\/strong>\u00a0over three years.<\/p>\n

Join the\u00a0RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n

Russell had been\u00a0linked with a move away<\/strong>, with both\u00a0Racing 92<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 his former club \u2014 and\u00a0Bristol Bears<\/strong>\u00a0reportedly interested in luring the mercurial playmaker. But Bath have managed to fend off the competition to keep hold of their marquee No.10.<\/p>\n

Russell joined Bath in 2023 on an initial three-year deal and has since made a massive impact. He\u2019s racked up\u00a045 appearances<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0420 points<\/strong>\u00a0across all competitions \u2014 including four tries \u2014 and finished the\u00a02024\/25 season as the Gallagher Premiership\u2019s leading points scorer<\/strong>\u00a0with\u00a0183 points<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

That form played a key role in Bath\u2019s historic campaign, as Johann van Graan\u2019s side completed a\u00a0domestic and European treble<\/strong>. Now, the 32-year-old will remain central to the club\u2019s ambitions for the next three seasons.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI have loved my time here at Bath. It\u2019s a great team and a great club. We\u2019ve come a long way over the last couple of years, and I am really looking forward to staying here and seeing what the club can achieve,\u201d Russell said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

\u201cThe fans have been outstanding since I got here. We\u2019ve had some big results at home and that\u2019s just our way of giving back to the fans and trying to represent them in the right way.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

\u201cThe way the club is developing and with the young players coming through, the belief and confidence that we\u2019ve got week-to-week is just growing. There are some brilliant new signings coming in as well who will be great additions to the club, and I can\u2019t wait to get started next season.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Bath\u2019s Head of Rugby,\u00a0Johann van Graan<\/strong>, hailed the news as a major boost for the club\u2019s long-term project.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s amazing news. Finn is one of the world\u2019s best 10s, a player who performs in the big moments and more importantly he\u2019s an incredible team man and a family man. He is one of the lads, his training is exceptional, and he\u2019s added so much to our group.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s great that he\u2019ll be staying on at Bath Rugby and continuing his journey with the Blue, Black and White.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

With interest from abroad and closer to home brushed aside, Bath fans can now look forward to seeing Russell continue to light up The Rec until at least 2028.<\/p>\n

EDITORS PICKS<\/p>\n

Owen Farrell and Two Springboks Named on Controversial \u2018Most Hated\u2019 Rugby List<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

Rugby might be a game rooted in respect, but that doesn\u2019t mean every player is a fan favourite. <\/strong><\/p>\n

In fact, some names seem to exist purely to wind up the opposition \u2014 whether it\u2019s for dirty play, endless sledging, off-field antics, or just being\u00a0toodamn good.<\/p>\n

With old villains like Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar hanging up their boots, a fresh crop of love-to-hate stars has taken over. And yes, two Springboks have made the cut \u2014 with one\u00a0storming\u00a0to the top of the list.<\/p>\n

A new fan poll has settled the debate (for now): these are the players supporters\u00a0love\u00a0to loathe. And the name at number one? It might just shock you<\/p>\n

#6.\u00a0Eben Etzebeth (South Africa\/Sharks)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Position:<\/strong>\u00a0Lock
Caps:<\/strong>\u00a0131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours:<\/strong>\u00a0\ud83c\udfc6 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)<\/p>\n

A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.<\/p>\n

That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality \u2014 just as long as he\u2019s not slamming your favourite player into next week.<\/p>\n

RUCK Verdict:<\/strong>
\u201cOne of the game\u2019s last true hard men \u2014 and one of the most divisive.\u201d<\/p>\n

#5.\u00a0Owen Farrell (England\/Racing 92)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Position:<\/strong>\u00a0Fly-Half\/Centre
Caps:<\/strong>\u00a0112
Major Honours:<\/strong>\u00a0\ud83c\udfc9 England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours<\/p>\n

Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don\u2019t be fooled \u2014 his infamous \u201cshoulder-first\u201d tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.<\/p>\n

Farrell\u2019s critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty. It\u2019s sad his world-class talent isn\u2019t recognised due to his constant role as the pantomime villain, as a lot of the 2025 Lions coverage has shown.<\/p>\n

RUCK Verdict:<\/strong>
\u201cStill England\u2019s pantomime villain \u2014 unless he\u2019s your guy. Then he walks on water.\u201d<\/p>\n

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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