Bath Rugby edged past Bristol Bears 34-20 in the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership semi-final at the Recreation Ground on Friday night. However, their triumph was overshadowed by a late injury to star fly-half Finn Russell, posing a potential concern ahead of the upcoming final at Twickenham.
Russell, who is set to tour with the British and Irish Lions this summer, sustained a left knee injury following a clearance tackle from Bristol’s James Williams. Despite contributing 14 crucial points and directing Bath’s attack expertly, Russell was forced off the field with just four minutes remaining. His performance was complemented by tries from Ted Hill, Joe Cokanasiga, Will Muir, and Max Ojomoh, all finding the try line during a strong second half.
After the match, Russell was seen requesting ice from the medical staff before leaving the pitch cautiously, raising questions about his availability for the final. Bath’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, acknowledged the injury scare but remained optimistic. He confirmed the issue was cramping affecting multiple areas rather than a serious injury and expects Russell to recover in time. Van Graan noted that while fly-half cover options like Ciaran Donoghue and Orlando Bailey are available, the team hopes to have their marquee player fit for the season-defining clash against either Leicester Tigers or Sale Sharks.
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The semi-final itself was a bruising affair, with Bristol battling hard and scoring through James Dun and Benhard Janse van Rensburg. Despite their efforts, they could not overcome Bath’s dominance. AJ MacGinty kicked eight points, with Harry Byrne adding two more for the Bears.
Van Graan’s post-match statement highlighted the physical toll on players but insisted the team was well-prepared for the final. “It is only cramp at this stage,” he said. “Finn put in phenomenal effort today, especially with his goal-kicking and defensive chases. He will be fine for the final.”
With the Gallagher Premiership final drawing near, all eyes will be on Finn Russell’s fitness as Bath looks to complete a treble, having already claimed the Premiership Rugby Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup this season.