Finn Russell showcased his brilliance as Bath Rugby secured a commanding 38-17 bonus-point win over Gloucester Rugby at the Recreation Ground on Saturday evening in Round Three of the 2025/26 Gallagher Premiership. Returning to the side as captain after a week on the sidelines, Russell’s creativity and precision were on full display despite receiving a yellow card in the second half, which briefly unsettled the hosts.
Russell provided an impressive kicking tally of 13 points, complementing Bath’s four first-half tries scored by Tom de Glanville, Tom Dunn, Ollie Lawrence, and Ewan Richards. Bath’s early dominance set the tone, with Russell’s flawless conversions and tactical kicking keeping Gloucester under constant pressure.
Gloucester responded with tries from Will Joseph, Ollie Thorley, and Ben Loader, the latter two arriving early in the second half during Russell’s time off the field, narrowing the score to 28-17. However, Russell returned to steady the ship, slotting a penalty and converting Richards’ second try to seal Bath’s bonus-point win.
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Coach Johann van Graan praised his captain’s influence: “Losing your number 10 is pivotal, but Finn remained excellent defensively and his kicking game is outstanding. Despite his time away from rugby, he delivered for 78 minutes.” Van Graan also highlighted the tactical moves that helped them regain control after the yellow card period.
Bath set the pace early, with De Glanville opening the scoring inside seven minutes thanks to a slick inside pass from Henry Arundell, who was a constant threat throughout. Russell’s pinpoint kicks, both short and long-range, continually put Gloucester on the back foot. Dunn’s try followed from a well-executed catch and drive, pushing the lead to 14-0 after Russell’s conversion.
The hosts looked untroubled defensively for much of the first half, allowing only one Gloucester penalty before Richards extended their advantage with a try under the posts. Gloucester managed a breakthrough with Joseph’s try just before halftime to give themselves some hope heading into the second half.
The tide shifted slightly after Russell’s yellow card in the 49th minute for kicking the ball away in a ruck. Gloucester capitalized, with Thorley scoring in the left corner and Loader following up with another try despite two missed conversion attempts from Ross Byrne.
Bath’s bench, including summer signing Santi Carreras, brought fresh energy, and Russell’s return immediately stabilized the team. He expertly kicked a penalty to ease tension before setting up Richards for his second try and converting it himself, confirming Bath’s emphatic derby victory.
Bath Rugby’s starting lineup featured key contributors such as de Glanville, Cokanasiga, Lawrence, and captain Finn Russell, supported by a strong forward pack. Gloucester fielded experienced players like Byrne, Thorley, and Loader but were unable to halt Bath’s momentum.
This victory marks Bath’s third consecutive Premiership win and deepens Gloucester’s current streak of seven consecutive losses against their West Country rivals.