Finn Russell has officially became the second rugby union player to join Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency, joining Henry Pollock.
Following last month’s high-profile signing of Henry Pollock, Russell’s partnership with Hearn has now been finalised after productive talks in London last weekend.
Both players rank among the biggest names in PREM Rugby. Pollock is known for his bold, larger-than-life personality, while Russell’s playing style is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling in the sport.
The duo are currently represented by the Stellar agency, which is undergoing a rebrand to Cor after forming a joint venture with Hearn.
The news was confirmed on Hearn's Instagram, which has over 1.6 million followers, and the post was captioned: "Welcome to the team one of the true greats @finnrussell92 ? @matchroomtalentagency @stellarrugby ? ps thanks for the hook up @henryjpollock?"
When Pollock signed at the end of March, he became only the second athlete on the agency’s roster, joining UFC star Tom Aspinall.
Since announcing Pollock’s arrival, Matchroom is understood to have received interest from more than 100 rugby players.
The announcement comes ahead of Bath’s PREM Rugby clash with Harlequins tomorrow, with Russell set to start for the hosts at The Rec.
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Rugby’s FIVE Most Overpaid Players in 2026
From underwhelming form to lack of availability, here are five players who haven’t lived up to their reported pay packets.
Most Overpaid Players in 2026:
5. Rieko Ioane — Estimated £500,000
Ioane comes in at five because, while underwhelming, he hasn’t been disastrous.
He’s still contributing and “putting in a shift,” but that’s exactly the issue — at this price point, he should be a standout star, not just another name on the team sheet.
The gap between expectation and delivery is clear, but not quite as severe as others on this list.
4. Cheslin Kolbe — Estimated £950,000
This one is all about standards.
Eight tries in 16 games would be a solid return for most wingers — but Kolbe isn’t most wingers. He’s one of the highest-paid players in the sport.
He hasn’t been poor, just not consistently world-class — and when you’re earning close to £1 million a year, that distinction matters.
3. Steven Luatua — Estimated £500,000
Luatua’s drop-off is hard to ignore.
Once a dominant Premiership force, he now offers limited impact and has played just 351 minutes all season. That’s simply not enough for one of the league’s top earners.
This feels less like a temporary dip and more like a player fading — which makes the salary harder to justify.
2. Ross Byrne — Estimated £400,000
Big signing. Big expectations. Big disappointment.
Byrne was brought in to control games and elevate Gloucester — instead, he’s been dropped in favour of Charlie Atkinson.
For a high-paid fly-half, losing your starting spot is a major red flag. When you combine that with inconsistent performances, it’s hard to argue he’s offering value.
1. Eben Etzebeth — Estimated £800,000
This isn’t about ability — it’s about availability.
Etzebeth is arguably the best lock in the world, but he’s played just 56 minutes since October. Injuries, suspension, and international commitments have kept him off the pitch for the vast majority of the season.
At £800,000 a year, you simply have to play.
Right now, clubs are paying elite money for almost no return — and that makes him the most overpaid player on this list.
LATEST RUGBY NEWS:
- Louis Rees-Zammit stood down with immediate effect
- Sean Fitzpatrick names his all-time rugby dream team and fans are all saying the same thing
- Stormers vow to smash home attendance record for a URC season
- Completed Saracens signing for next season now in doubt
- URC: Scarlets centre Joe Roberts back with a bang after missing out on Wales Six Nations squad
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