Biography
Finn Alastair Russell — the maverick magician in the No. 10 jersey — has carved out one of the most thrilling careers in modern rugby. Born on 23 September 1992 in Bridge of Allan, he grew up in a family full of sporting pedigree, from badminton internationals to cricketing relatives and rugby-playing brothers.
He discovered rugby at Wallace High School, but his early adult life was far from glamorous: he worked three years as a stonemason, cutting stone on rainy days while dreaming of something bigger. His breakthrough came with the John Macphail Scholarship in 2013, sending him to New Zealand for 15 weeks of elite training — a trip that supercharged his development.
From there, Russell exploded onto the scene with Glasgow Warriors, became Scotland’s creative heartbeat, moved to Racing 92 to replace Dan Carter, then took the Premiership by storm with Bath. Celebrated for audacity, vision, and moments of pure artistry, he’s been called “world-class,” “a genius,” and even “the Messi of rugby.”
List of Teams Played For
- Stirling County (years not specified)
- Falkirk – around 2011–2012
- Ayr – 2012–2013
- Glasgow Warriors – 2013–2018
- Racing 92 – 2018–2023
- Bath Rugby – 2023–present
- Scotland U20 – 2012
- Scotland – 2014–present
- British & Irish Lions – tours in 2017, 2021, 2025
Rugby World Cups Played
- 2015 Rugby World Cup
- 2019 Rugby World Cup
- 2023 Rugby World Cup
Key Career Moments
Russell’s rise is packed with unforgettable performances. His breakout arrived during the 2014–15 Pro12 season, when he steered Glasgow to their first-ever league title, scoring a try and four conversions in the final.
In 2018, he joined Racing 92 as Dan Carter’s successor, thriving in the French Top 14 and sharpening his international reputation. By 2023, he had moved to Bath, making an instant impact in the Premiership. He guided the club to the 2024–25 EPCR Challenge Cup title, and then scored 13 points and set up a try in Bath’s victory in the 2024–25 Premiership Rugby Final. Days later, he extended his contract through June 2028.
For Scotland, he debuted in 2014 and quickly cemented himself as first-choice fly-half. His audacious long pass against England in the 2018 Six Nations remains one of the most iconic moments in Scottish rugby. He starred at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, and became co-captain for the 2024 Six Nations.
As a Lion, he featured in New Zealand (2017), South Africa (2021) — delivering a sensational performance in the decisive Test — and started all three Tests on the 2025 Australia tour, earning the Howden Player of the Series.
Personal Life
Russell’s grounded personality comes from his years as a stonemason, a job he still references when rugby days get tough. Known as “Russell the Muscle” and “White Chocolate,” he has been in a relationship with Scottish heptathlete Emma Canning since 2017. The couple welcomed a daughter in November 2022.