Scotland rugby team: Finn Russell to join Montpellier

Finn Russell's emergence as a world-class stand-off will be recognised with a big-money move to Montpellier in time for season 2018-19, the one after next.

By The Newsroom Monday, 19th June 2017, 7:00 am Updated Monday, 19th June 2017, 12:47 pm

inn Russell celebrates his try against Australia. Picture: Getty.

According to a well-placed source in France, Russell, who was pivotal in Scotland’s stunning 24-19 win over Australia in Sydney on Saturday, has signed a pre-contract agreement with the French giants.

The move – ending Russell’s six-year spell with Glasgow Warriors – will ­enable the 24-year-old to team up again with the former Scotland coach, Vern Cotter.

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Many felt Cotter was ushered out of Murrayfield’s back door at the end of last season with undue haste after a highly successful stint with Scotland. Some will see this as a small act of revenge by the New Zealander, who has not been slow in spending Mohed Altrad’s money at Montpellier. But the Syrian-born businessman who backs the French club can afford it – he is said to be worth in the region of €1.5 billion (£1.3bn).

Cotter is said to be earning €1 million a year, making him the highest-paid rugby coach in the world. Russell’s pay package has not been revealed, but the Scot will earn a multiple of his current salary. His Scotland half-back partner, Greig Laidlaw, will reportedly be on €350,000 a year at Clermont next season.