Bath Rugby faces a high-stakes semi-final against Exeter Chiefs this Saturday at the Rec, with the team eagerly awaiting the potential return of star fly-half Finn Russell. The 33-year-old Scotland international has been sidelined by a tight calf injury, missing the last two matches. However, head of rugby Johann van Graan indicated that in a “do or die” situation—exactly what this semi-final represents—Russell would likely have taken the field.
Van Graan noted that Russell’s rehabilitation is progressing positively, describing the fly-half’s attitude as upbeat. “He is doing it with a smile,” van Graan said, emphasizing the importance of managing risk and making wise decisions about his fitness. Reflecting on a previous injury, the coach remarked, “If this was do or die today [against Leicester], we would have put him in.” While Russell is not yet fully fit, a final decision about his availability will be made on Friday at noon.
When pressed for further details during Tuesday’s press conference, van Graan remained cautiously optimistic but refrained from revealing more, stating only that Russell is “in a very good place.”
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Unfortunately, Bath will be without Welsh international Louie Hennessey for the remainder of the season. The 22-year-old sustained a shoulder injury during Bath’s recent Champions Cup semi-final loss and will undergo treatment, ruling him out of both the semi-final and Wales’s upcoming Nations Series summer tour. Despite this setback, Bath boasts considerable depth in the centre positions with players such as Max Ojomoh, Ollie Lawrence, Chris Harris, and England A international Will Butt ready to step in.
In the forward pack, hooker Tom Dunn and lock Quinn Roux have returned from suspensions and will be available for selection. However, England flanker Guy Pepper remains unavailable following his last appearance against Bristol Bears. Van Graan declined to provide an update on Pepper’s fitness, focusing instead on preparing the squad for the crucial match as the season reaches its climax.