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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There’s a real buzz at the cross again. Let’s hope more people get out and support their local LOI team.
First since 1998, not jumping on the bandwagon but I hope to support many more games, real joy seen LOI
I know I am, I’m sure I am, I’m City til I die. Great performance tonight!!!
First visit to the cross in 3/4 years, brought my young lad age 7 along for his 1st visit. He thoroughly enjoyed, think that’s my Fridays night sorted for next few months . Great atmosphere, great win.
Fair play for bringing your child, letting him experience live football firsthand. I just wish more parents were like you.
Markie Sullivan was flying again tonight,great hold up play and won everything in the air,thoroughly deserved victory,great buzz at the cross again long may it last
Buzz is certainly back in Cork football.The City u19 side who won their 3rd title on the bounce last week , paraded the trophy at halftime, and then entered the famous Shed and joined in the choruses of Championez. Special times at Turners Cross.
Nice too see big attendances like this league needs it. I think more and more people are starting to appreciate the LOI.
Hopefully although a very small crowd at the St. Pats game. I don’t know was this because it was shown live but for the champions to get just over 1,300 at home to last years runners up is extremely disappointing.
They got 5,300 plus for the pats game!
I’m talking about the Pats Dundalk game last night!
Great crowd, good to see that back in Cork. Be nice to see them do well this season and finish 2nd after Dundalk haha!!
Let’s hope the score sees fit to increase the profile of LOI by entering the category to the “scores” section
They must have heard you as they’re listed now. I always thought the Score did include them. In their defence, they give excellent coverage to the League and exposure to a wider audience.
Good to see Cork doing well. Always enjoyed away trips down to the Cross.
Hi Nigel,
We’ve always had the LOI in our live scores section. The latest results can be found here: http://www.thescore.ie/airtricity-premier-division/
Roll on next Friday and home to Sligo Rovers… Another big crowd expected.
People of Ireland WE ARE BACK CCFC :-)
Great to see both Shamrock Rovers Teams beaten on the one weekend.Is it one for the record?,long may it continue.
Best night at the Cross in a long time , here’s hoping for a few more , well done city