Home » Sports » Rugby » International » New Zealand

Watson: Russell the key for Bath

By ADAM HATHAWAY ANTHONY Watson has backed his former club Bath to go deep in the tournament and make up for last year’s Champions Cup heartache – if Finn Russell stays fit. Fly-half Russell was nursing a calf injury when…

By The Rugby Paper Team · The Rugby Paper

Published: Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 2:59 AM

Key Things to Know

Anthony Watson believes Finn Russell's fitness is essential for Bath to succeed in the Champions Cup.
Bath begin their European campaign on Saturday against Billy Vunipola's Montpellier side.
Russell was nursing a calf injury when Bath lost their Premiership semi-final 27-26 to Exeter.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Anthony Watson has backed his former club Bath to make a deep run in the Champions Cup, provided fly-half Finn Russell remains fit. Bath are seeking to bounce back from past tournament heartbreak as they begin their European campaign against Montpellier.

Russell previously nursed a calf injury during Bath's 27-26 Premiership semi-final loss to Exeter. The 2025 English champions were also eliminated by Bordeaux-Begles in last season's Champions Cup semi-finals despite Russell starting.

Read the full article on The Rugby Paper

Watson: Russell the key for Bath

More All Blacks News

Never Miss a Sports Update