England international could follow Finn Russell out of Bath despite signing new deal
Rugby NewsTuesday, 13 May 2025 at 08:55
They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.
Big-spending Bath could be facing a major tug-of-war to keep hold of club captain Ben Spencer, despite the scrum-half only putting pen to paper on a new deal until 2028 two months ago.
, French giants have lodged an enquiry over bringing the 32-year-old to Paris as they prepare for life after , who is off to at the end of the season.
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Racing have already secured one replacement in the form of Léo Carbonneau, a former France U20 star snapped up from Pro D2 outfit Brive. But with just 11 Top 14 appearances to his name, the 21-year-old is seen as a long-term project rather than a ready-made solution.
That’s led the Parisians to target a more seasoned operator—and Spencer fits the bill perfectly.
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Rouet rejected, Spencer wanted
Veteran Guillaume Rouet of Bayonne was also on Racing’s radar, but their attention has now turned firmly to the Bath star.
Spencer, who earned the last of his 10 England caps against Australia in the Autumn Nations Series, has been instrumental in Bath’s title charge this season. With the West Country club chasing a first Premiership crown since 1996, losing their captain would be a bitter blow.
Russell rumours ramp up
Meanwhile, another Bath marquee name is drawing global attention—Finn Russell is expected to be one of the hottest properties on the market next summer.
With his contract situation yet to be resolved, clubs from England, France, and Japan are already circling. Expect a bidding war for the Scotland fly-half’s signature.
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The Scotland and Lions superstar, who was named in Andy Farrell's 38-man Lions squad this week, will enter the final year of his £1.2m contract with Bath in July, and according to RugbyPass, at least five major clubs are gearing up to open talks.
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Russell’s incredible CV
The 32-year-old is one of the most gifted playmakers in the game, having racked up 397 points in 81 appearances for Scotland. Only Chris Paterson, Greig Laidlaw, and Gavin Hastings have scored more for their country.
A key figure in Glasgow Warriors' PRO12-winning squad in 2015, Russell later became a star at Racing 92, making 107 appearances in five seasons before joining Bath following Scotland’s early exit from the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Racing reunion on the cards?
One of Russell’s potential destinations is a return to Racing 92, but his move could hinge on the future of another big-name fly-half—Owen Farrell. The former England captain’s contract expires at the same time, and Racing’s decision may depend on his next move. Farrell has so far been linked with a move to Leicester.
Russell remains highly regarded at La Défense Arena, and was even seen deep in conversation with Racing president Laurent Travers after watching Scotland’s 32-15 defeat to South Africa at Murrayfield last weekend.
Who else is in the race?
Stade Français have also thrown their hat in the ring, while over in Japan, Urayasu D-Rocks—coached by Greig Laidlaw—are keen to reunite the Scottish duo in Japan Rugby League One.
Closer to home, former Premiership and Champions Cup winners Saracens are said to be monitoring the situation, while Bristol Bears owner Steve Lansdown has made Russell his top target.
With his dazzling attacking style and big-game experience, Russell’s next move could shake up the rugby landscape—watch this space.
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Here's a look at some of the partners of the England, Irish and Scottish stars likely to be packing their passports — and maybe a Lions bucket hat or two...
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Scotland:
Nika van der Merwe – Married to the Big Man (Duhan van der Merwe)
Nika and powerhouse wing Duhan van der Merwe tied the knot in sunny South Africa back in January 2023. She turned heads in a chic fitted gown with a thigh-high split, topped off with a glam studded cape — a wedding as bold as Duhan’s sidestep.
Emma Canning – Heptathlete and Super Mum (Finn Russell)
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Emma and magician-in-boots Finn Russell, but the pair are back stronger than ever and now proud parents to two daughters: Charlie and Skye.
Emma knows the pressure of elite sport first-hand — she’s a heptathlete, battling across seven gruelling events. Now she balances it all with family life and Finn’s erratic brilliance.
Annabel Jones – Puppy Love and Ibiza Vibes (Huw Jones)
Huw Jones and Annabel said "I do" in Ibiza back in July 2022 after meeting in Glasgow. Huw’s not afraid to show his romantic side, often calling Annabel his “everything.”
When an injury sidelined him during the 2019 Six Nations, she bought him a fluffy Maltese poodle named Louis — his furry lockdown lifesaver.
Dina Celina – Nutrition Queen and Future Mrs Kinghorn (Blair Kinghorn)
Blair Kinghorn popped the question to nutritionist Dina during a dreamy weekend at Gleneagles in 2023 — wedding bells will ring this August after the tour wraps.
The couple made an appearance in Six Nations: Full Contact on Netflix, with viewers spotting Blair stepping in at fly-half when Finn Russell was sidelined. Dina’s backstage support? Rock solid.
Ireland:
Ellen Ringrose – The Childhood Sweetheart (Garry Ringrose)
Garry Ringrose and Ellen Beirne tied the knot in June 2023 at the dreamy Virginia Park Lodge in Cavan.
Speaking to EVOKE, the Irish centre couldn’t stop gushing: “Ellen is the best... she’s a huge support, especially in the not-so-good times.” Childhood sweethearts to power couple status achieved.
Katherine Egan – Medicine, Hockey, and Sheehan’s No.1 (Dan Sheehan)
Dan Sheehan’s long-term girlfriend Katherine Egan is as accomplished as they come. A hockey player for UCD and a Medicine student — she’s got brains, brawn, and ambition to spare.
She’s even studied in the U.S., proving she’s just as at home overseas as Dan might be on tour.
She’s even studied in the U.S., proving she’s just as at home overseas as Dan might be on tour.
Sophie de Patoul – Castle Wedding Royalty (Josh van der Flier)
Josh van der Flier married his Belgian/Irish partner Sophie in a fairytale 2022 wedding at Luttrellstown Castle.
The flanker popped the question in July 2021, and Sophie’s been in the crowd (and the camera shots) at many big Ireland games ever since.
Harriet Beirne – Welsh Beauty with an Irish Base (Tadhg Beirne)
Tadhg met Harriet on a night out in Cardiff back in 2018, and after a bit of long distance, the couple settled down in Ireland.
They tied the knot at Kilkea Castle in 2022, and just bought a new home together, with Harriet teasing “exciting and most likely stressful times ahead” in 2025. Big year incoming!
Kayla Aki – Mum of Four and Bundee’s Rock (Bundee Aki)
Bundee Aki and wife Kayla have one of the most established relationships in the Ireland camp. Married in 2018, the couple share four children: daughters Armani-Jade, Adrianna, and Ailbhe (born at home in 2022), and son Andronikas.
England:
Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)
Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.
She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all: “No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”
They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.
Mimi Fall – The Future Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)
Mimi Fall is officially engaged to Lions veteran Maro Itoje after a jaw-dropping proposal during a holiday to Nigeria and Ghana. Mimi shared the news with a snap of her rock and the caption: “Mrs I to be.”
A professional model herself, Mimi’s been teasing fans with glimpses of the engagement party – though the wedding date remains on hold thanks to Maro’s jam-packed Lions schedule. Priorities, eh?
Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)
Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.
Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”
Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)
Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.
The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.
Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)
Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.
Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”
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