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Russell has been with Glasgow for five years. Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Moving On

Finn Russell to leave Glasgow after accepting 'lucrative opportunity' from abroad

The Scottish out-half is reported to be joining Racing 92.

SCOTLAND OUT-HALF Finn Russell has accepted a ‘lucrative opportunity’ from a European club believed to be Racing 92 and will leave Glasgow Warriors at the end of this season.

The Guinness Pro14 club this evening announced that Russell, the 25-year-old Lion, has been offered a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ and will end his five-year association with the Warriors next summer.

Early reports suggest he will join Top 14 outfit Racing, who are also believed to be in the running for Simon Zebo’s signature.

“Our club has an excellent track record of retaining our key players in recent years. However, in this instance Finn has decided to move on and accept a lucrative opportunity at another club,” Glasgow Warriors managing director Nathan Bombrys said.

“We respect his decision and when the time comes we will thank him for his contribution to the club. It has been great watching him develop and grow wearing a Glasgow Warriors shirt.

“We know he will be fully focused on trying to bring another trophy to Glasgow Warriors this season.”

After coming through the Scottish Rugby Academy, Russell quickly established himself as Glasgow’s first-choice 10 and was an integral part of the 2015 Pro12 title-winning side.

Russell, who was a late call up to Warren Gatland’s Lions squad during the summer, won his 31st cap for Scotland during Saturday’s agonising defeat to the All Blacks at Murrayfield.

“I’ve really enjoyed my five years at Glasgow Warriors,” he said.

“I would like to thank every player, coach and member of the backroom staff for making it so special.

“During my time at the club I’ve really developed as a player and I’ve been called up to the Scotland and British & Irish Lions squads.

“I’ve shared so many fantastic moments with people who are now friends for life and to do it in front of the amazing Glasgow Warriors supporters at Scotstoun has been a dream come true.

“I’ve always wanted to experience as much as I can during what is a short rugby career. It was obviously a difficult decision to leave Glasgow, but I have the opportunity to take myself out of my comfort zone and experience a new culture and type of rugby.

“However, I am fully focussed on Glasgow Warriors and will do everything I can to make my final season at Scotstoun a successful one.”

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