“WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!” – Bath Fans Rage as Lions fly-half Finn Russell Limps Off

Saturday, 07 June 2025 at 07:40

byRugby Rucker

With just minutes left on the clock in their 34-20 victory over Bristol Bears, Bath’s talisman fly-half Finn Russell limped off injured—sparking mass concern just a week out from the
biggest game of their season: the Gallagher Premiership final.

Russell, a key figure in Bath’s treble charge and set to tour again with the British and Irish Lions this summer, took a knock to his left knee following a brutal clear-out from Bristol’s James Williams. Despite already racking up 14 points and helping himself to another standout display, the Scot was taken off with four minutes remaining—leaving fans stunned that he was even still on the pitch.

As the full-time whistle blew, concern only deepened. Russell asked medical staff for ice before hobbling gingerly toward the changing rooms—no fanfare, no fuss, but plenty of nerves around the Rec.

And fans were not happy.

One supporter fumed:

“WHY WOULD YOU LEAVE FINN ON THE PITCH YOU PSYCHOPATHS. Limped off with 5 minutes left, hopefully just a wee knock. But game has been in the bank since the hour mark.”

Another raged:

“Someone needs to explain why our most important player is left out there when we’re 14 up with nothing to gain. Madness.”

A third added:

“Final next week, treble on the line, and Finn Russell’s still chasing kicks in the 75th minute. Make it make sense.”

While head of rugby Johann van Graan was quick to downplay the severity—claiming post-match it was just “cramp” from an all-action performance—fans remain on edge.

“He is in a bit of pain, he has got multiple parts of his body cramping,” van Graan explained. “His goal-kicking was phenomenal and the chases he put in. He will be fine, but he is still cramping in the changing rooms as we speak.”

With Russell’s fitness now front and centre, van Graan may be forced to turn to young breakout star Ciaran Donoghue or the dependable Orlando Bailey for the final, with either Leicester Tigers or Sale Sharks lying in wait.

Bath, who have already claimed the Premiership Rugby Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup this season, were dragged into a bruising derby battle on Friday night. Bristol struck back through James Dun and Benhard Janse van Rensburg, with AJ MacGinty and Harry Byrne adding kicks, but it was Bath who came out on top—and not without cost.

One thing is clear: if Russell isn’t fit for the final, Bath’s dream treble could hang by a thread.

Sir Clive Woodward blasts FIVE Lions omissions

rom a back-row juggernaut tearing it up in France, to one of the best No.10s never to wear the famous red jersey, these omissions have sparked outrage — and Woodward isn’t holding back.

Here are the five big names left out, according to Sir Clive ?

? 1. Jack Willis (Toulouse & England)

Position: Flanker
Age: 28
Caps: 14 (England)
Club: Toulouse (Top 14)

Thrown out of Wasps when the club collapsed, Willis rebuilt his career in France — and he's done it in spectacular fashion. A turnover machine with brutal power and unrivalled work rate, he's been a key part of Toulouse's dominance.

?️ “He’s the best player in Europe for me… it’s ridiculous he’s ineligible for England anyway.” wrote Woodward in the Mail Online.

"Willis’s form for the last two years in France has been extraordinary. He should undoubtedly be a Test Lion in waiting."– Sir Clive

The fact he’s not Lions-eligible because of England’s overseas selection policy? Even more ridiculous.

? 2. Courtney Lawes (Brive & England)

Position: Lock / Flanker
Age: 36
Caps: 105 (England), 5 (Lions)
Club: CA Brive (Pro D2)

Yes — he’s in France’s second division. But Lawes is still turning in top-tier performances week in, week out. A veteran of three Lions tours, his ability to cover lock and blindside flanker, dominate collisions, and lead under pressure is unrivalled.

?️ “Experience, leadership, physicality – Lawes is still one of the best.” – Sir Clive

Still playing like it’s 2017? He probably should be on the tour, not watching it.

? 3. Owen Farrell (Racing 92 & England

Position: Fly-half / Inside Centre
Age: 33
Caps: 112 (England), 5 (Lions)
Club: Racing 92 (Top 14)

Farrell stepped back from England duty, but his move to Paris has only added more to his game. Whether you love or loathe him, he’s a proven match-winner, ferocious defender, and serial winner.

His Lions pedigree speaks for itself — 2013, 2017, 2021. And yet, no room in 2025?

? 4. George Ford (Sale Sharks & England)

Position: Fly-half
Age: 32
Caps: 95 (England)
Club: Sale Sharks (Premiership Rugby)

Ford has done it all: World Cup finals, Six Nations wins, game-managing masterclasses. Still, he's never made a Lions squad.

Whether outshining bigger names in crunch moments or orchestrating wins with surgical precision, Ford has every right to feel hard done by — again.

? 5. Jamie George (Saracens & England)

Position: Hooker
Age: 34
Caps: 101 (England), 3 (Lions)
Club: Saracens (Premiership Rugby)

Named England captain for the 2024 Six Nations, George delivered consistently at the set-piece and in open play. Experienced, accurate, and calm under pressure — everything the Lions need in a Test series.

?️ “He’s a leader, a world-class hooker, and one of the most reliable players in the game.”
– Sir Clive

A 2021 Lion and still at the top of his game. His omission? Cold.

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2

If you’re over 30 and can’t name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it’s time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.

From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we’d rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby’s golden era. If the names don’t come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.

Think you’ve got what it takes to ace this one? Let’s find out. Good luck!

“Best in Europe – and still left out!” Sir Clive Woodward blasts FIVE Lions omissions

"Best in Europe" - Jack Willis is set to make shock comeback for England