Finn Russell and some Bath teammates given break with immediate effect
Rugby NewsSunday, 17 May 2026 at 15:23
Bath Rugby have taken the opportunity to rest some of their biggest stars after confirming a place in the Gallagher Premiership play-offs with a crushing 69-12 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls.
Director of rugby Johann van Graan revealed that Finn Russell and several of his Bath team-mates have been stood down with immediate effect and given a few days away from rugby.
Bath stars handed well-earned break
With a semi-final spot now secured, Van Graan believes the timing is ideal for his squad to step away from the training ground and recharge before the final two rounds of the regular season.
The Bath boss said the players would spend time with their families and mentally switch off before returning for a lighter training week.
Van Graan said: “Tonight is about the five points that we got against Newcastle and that puts us in a semi-final again. It’s three seasons in a row that we’ve been in the top four.”
Van Graan explains immediate stand-down
“We’re all looking forward to being away from each other now for a few days, spend some time with our families and just get away from rugby. Some players will go to the England setup for a few days.
“We’ll have a pretty low training week. Then we’ll get cracking for the last two rounds and see where we end up.”
Finn Russell to return refreshed for title push
Russell has been one of Bath’s most influential performers this season, orchestrating the attack as the reigning champions mounted another serious bid for Premiership glory.
The Scotland fly-half is expected to benefit significantly from the short break as Bath look to keep their key players fresh for the knockout stages.
With momentum firmly on their side, Bath remain among the favourites to defend their Gallagher Premiership crown.
England Summer Tour Fixtures (2026)
England’s summer tour shapes up as a serious test across three very different rugby environments:
- South Africa vs England
? Ellis Park, Johannesburg
? 4 July 2026 - Fiji vs England
? Hill Dickinson Stadium (Everton)
? 11 July 2026 - Argentina vs England
? Venue TBC
? 18 July 2026
This is a brutal run—altitude in South Africa, flair against Fiji, and physicality in Argentina.
Full Predicted England Squad
Props
- Ellis Genge
- Mako Vunipola
- Fin Baxter
- Joe Heyes
- Asher Opoku-Fordjour
- Afolabi Fasogbon
Summary:
A powerful and evolving unit. Genge sets the tone physically, Vunipola adds experience, and the younger options bring mobility and long-term promise.
A powerful and evolving unit. Genge sets the tone physically, Vunipola adds experience, and the younger options bring mobility and long-term promise.
Hookers
- Jamie George
- Kepu Tuipulotu
- Tom Dunn
Summary:
George remains the cornerstone with his leadership and set-piece accuracy. Dunn adds physical edge, while Tuipulotu is a high-upside development option.
George remains the cornerstone with his leadership and set-piece accuracy. Dunn adds physical edge, while Tuipulotu is a high-upside development option.
Second Row
- Courtney Lawes
- Ollie Chessum
- Charlie Ewels
- Alex Coles
Summary:
An elite engine room. Itoje leads the charge, Lawes adds experience and presence, while Chessum and Coles provide athleticism and lineout strength.
An elite engine room. Itoje leads the charge, Lawes adds experience and presence, while Chessum and Coles provide athleticism and lineout strength.
Back Row
- Guy Pepper
- Henry Pollock
- Chandler Cunningham-South
- Ben Earl
- Tom Curry
- Greg Fisilau
Summary:
Highly competitive and dynamic. Earl and Curry are standout performers, supported by a group full of energy, versatility, and breakdown ability.
Highly competitive and dynamic. Earl and Curry are standout performers, supported by a group full of energy, versatility, and breakdown ability.
Scrum-Halves
- Alex Mitchell
- Jack van Poortvliet
- Archie McParland
Summary:
Mitchell brings tempo and control, van Poortvliet offers reliability, and McParland is an exciting young option for the future.
Mitchell brings tempo and control, van Poortvliet offers reliability, and McParland is an exciting young option for the future.
Fly-Halves
- Fin Smith
- Marcus Smith
- George Ford
Summary:
A balanced trio—Fin Smith’s composure, Marcus Smith’s attacking spark, and Ford’s tactical control give England flexibility depending on opposition.
A balanced trio—Fin Smith’s composure, Marcus Smith’s attacking spark, and Ford’s tactical control give England flexibility depending on opposition.
Centres
- Ollie Lawrence
- Max Ojomoh
- Joe Marchant
- Seb Atkinson
Summary:
A blend of power and creativity. Lawrence provides go-forward, Marchant defensive organisation, with Ojomoh and Atkinson offering attacking flair.
A blend of power and creativity. Lawrence provides go-forward, Marchant defensive organisation, with Ojomoh and Atkinson offering attacking flair.
Back Three
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- Henry Arundell
- Adam Radwan
- George Furbank
- Tommy Freeman
- Tom Roebuck
- Freddie Steward
Summary:
Pace and finishing across the board. Arundell and Radwan bring speed, while Furbank adds playmaking and Steward aerial dominance.
Pace and finishing across the board. Arundell and Radwan bring speed, while Furbank adds playmaking and Steward aerial dominance.
Predicted England XV
Starting XV
- Ellis Genge
- Jamie George
- Joe Heyes
- Maro Itoje
- Ollie Chessum
- Courtney Lawes
- Tom Curry
- Ben Earl
- Alex Mitchell
- Fin Smith
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- Ollie Lawrence
- Joe Marchant
- Tommy Freeman
- George Furbank
You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz
The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.
From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.
Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!
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