FINN RUSSELL INSISTS Dan Carter’s imminent Racing 92 departure was not behind his decision to move to the Top 14 giants because he thought the New Zealand great would still be there next season.
It was announced last week that Scotland out-half Russell is to leave Glasgow Warriors at the end of the Pro14 campaign, with Racing revealing his signing on Tuesday.
The news comes after All Blacks legend Carter confirmed that he is leaving Paris at the end of 2017-18 to take up a new challenge in Japan, leaving Russell to compete with Pat Lambie for the number 10 jersey at Racing.
But Russell, who was part of the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, says he would have made the move even if Carter was staying put.
“I did not really think of Dan’s departure, I thought maybe he would still be there, I would have learned a lot from him,” he told Racing’s official website.
Russell was a Pro12 winner with the Warriors in 2015, but he felt moving to Racing offered him more chance of success in Europe.
“I had the chance to play six seasons in Glasgow but for me, for my progress, I felt it was time to change the environment,” he added.
“Like any rugby player my goal is to win, I want to win titles with Racing. It is a club determined to play as many finals as possible and win and who are likely to do it.
“It’s really my main goal, and Racing has all the potential to get the Champions Cup or Top 14.
“I can’t wait to help them win. It’s a great club, I’m looking forward to settling down and playing with my new team-mates as well as working with the coaches and all the staff.”
While Russell is departing the Warriors, one man staying at Scotstoun is scrum-half Ali Price.
The Scotland international penned a new deal until May 2020 on Wednesday.
“It was an incredibly easy decision for me to make. I’ve been up here for four years now and I’m loving it and the club’s in a really good place,” he told the Warriors’ official website.
“Playing at Scotstoun is a feeling I can’t really explain. I love the buzz.”
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