Finn Russell Hits Pause on Rugby to Test Skills in Different Sport, He'll Miss Start of Season
Rugby NewsFriday, 12 September 2025 at 09:33
Scotland and British & Irish Lions star Finn Russell will sit out the start of the 2025/26 season after being handed an extended break following his summer exploits with the Lions.
The talismanic fly-half has been keeping busy, though – this week he teed it up alongside a host of sporting icons at Wentworth in the BMW PGA Championship pro-am.
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Russell, who admits he’s more comfortable in front of 60,000 rugby fans than a few hundred golf spectators, confessed:
“It’s a completely different type of nerves. I often play in front of massive crowds, but hitting a golf ball – which isn’t my strongest – in front of people is very different.”
The Scot was joined by Andy Murray – who recently revealed his aim of qualifying for The Open – and a raft of other celebrities.
Russell revealed his brother-in-law, pro golfer Ewen Ferguson, has been helping sharpen his swing, and hinted golf could become a serious hobby after his rugby career winds down:
“Golf is definitely something I want to take more seriously in the future when I retire. Right now it’s tough – I’m training or playing most days and with two young kids, days off aren’t really days off.”
For now, fans will need to wait a little longer to see Russell back in Glasgow colours – but he’s clearly enjoying his well-earned Lions rest.
EDITORS PICKS:
"Myth" - The 20 Most Overrated Rugby Stars of All Time, According to Fans
But here we are. The fans over at TheTopTens have spoken, and they’ve served up a list guaranteed to ruffle feathers. Remember — this is about perception, not just stats. Some of these names are legends. Some are cult heroes. But all of them… apparently a bit too hyped.
So, buckle up. Here are the 20 most overrated rugby players of all time — as voted by the fans.
20. Chris Ashton – Splash, But No Substance?
A prolific finisher and famous for the ‘Ash Splash’, Ashton had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. But critics argue his defensive frailties and lack of versatility made him more highlight reel than complete package.
19. Semi Radradra – Highlights Don’t Win Matches
Radradra is the king of YouTube clips, with dazzling runs and offloads that leave fans breathless. Yet in the XVs game, inconsistency and shaky defence have left some wondering if the hype outshines the reality.
18. Bryan Habana – Quick as Lightning, Hot and Cold
Habana’s pace terrified defenders, and his World Cup-winning legacy is unquestioned. But some argue his domestic performances were patchy, and his reputation often outweighed week-to-week impact.
17. Sam Warburton – Captain Fantastic… Or Just Captain?
As a leader, Warburton was immense and commanded respect across the rugby world. Still, there are those who believe his actual influence at the breakdown never matched the legend of his captaincy.
16. Owen Farrell – Mr. Marmite
Farrell’s leadership, kicking, and competitive edge make him one of the most polarising figures in rugby. For some he’s England’s rock; for others he’s over-praised and lacking the flair of a truly world-class playmaker.
15. Cheslin Kolbe – Small Frame, Big Debate
Kolbe’s footwork and attacking spark have earned him superstar status, and he’s capable of magic from nothing. But detractors point out his defensive weaknesses and question whether his size makes him a liability in tight contests.
14. Paul O’Connell – The Line-Out King
A towering figure for Ireland, O’Connell’s line-out brilliance is undisputed. Still, many suggest his influence in open play was overstated compared to the adulation he received.
13. Schalk Burger – Beast or Liability?
Burger brought unmatched ferocity to every collision, cementing his place as a fan favourite. Yet his disciplinary issues and tendency to give away penalties left critics arguing he sometimes hurt his team more than he helped.
12. Maro Itoje – Hyped to the Rafters
Athletic, charismatic, and marketable, Itoje seems built for superstardom. But some feel he flatters to deceive, dominating moments rather than matches and struggling to live up to the endless hype.
11. James Haskell – More Brand Than Brawn?
A tireless worker with a big personality, Haskell always gave his all on the pitch. That said, many feel his media presence inflated his reputation far beyond his actual technical contribution.
10. Sonny Bill Williams – The Offload Obsession
SBW was box office, dazzling crowds with his offloading game and cross-code appeal. But his flashes of brilliance often masked long stretches of inconsistency, leading critics to call him style over substance.
9. Stuart Hogg – The Flying Scotsman Divides Opinion
Hogg has long been Scotland’s poster boy, lighting up games with his counter-attacking brilliance and eye for the spectacular. But critics argue his defensive frailties and occasional lapses under pressure make him more highlight player than all-round great.
8. George North – The Early Peak
North was unstoppable during his peak years between 2011 and 2013, cementing his place as one of rugby’s brightest young stars. But his decline since then, marked by defensive lapses and stagnation, has divided opinion on his true greatness.
7. Manu Tuilagi – The Nearly Man
When fit, Tuilagi could bulldoze through the best defences in the world and turn games on their head. Sadly, injuries and inconsistency have kept him from becoming the dominant force his hype once promised.
6. Alun Wyn Jones – Legend or Legacy Pick?
AWJ’s longevity and leadership cannot be denied, and his caps record is nothing short of legendary. Yet his late-career selections, seen by some as reputation-driven, have sparked debate about whether he overstayed at the top.
5. Finn Russell – Flair or Foolhardy?
Scotland’s mercurial 10 is a joy to watch when everything clicks, delivering outrageous passes and game-changing creativity. But his unpredictability often drifts into recklessness, leaving critics frustrated with his lack of control.
4. Siya Kolisi – Captain Courageous… But Overpraised?
Kolisi is a symbol of inspiration and leadership, especially after lifting the World Cup. Still, detractors suggest his personal performances don’t always match the level of praise and spotlight he receives.
3. Gavin Henson – More Tan Than Talent?
Henson had all the flair, style, and hype to be a Welsh icon for the ages. Instead, his career fizzled under the weight of off-field headlines and missed opportunities on it.
2. Sergio Parisse – Solo Showman
Parisse often looked like the lone star in an underperforming Italy side, dazzling with skills and vision. But critics argue his showmanship sometimes masked limited effectiveness in the tight exchanges where games are won.
1. Sébastien Chabal – The Caveman Myth
Chabal’s image, with the beard and bone-crunching tackles, made him a cult hero around the world. Yet when it came to consistent top-level performance, many argue he was more myth than monster.
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