Finn Russell suffers concerning injury after awkward breakdown clearout during Champions Cup clash

Finn Russell playing for Bath in 2024 and after going off injured against Exeter Chiefs.
Finn Russell looked extremely uncomfortable as he limped off during Bath’s Champions Cup encounter with Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.
The Scotland fly-half was forced off in the first half of the clash against their fellow English outfit when he looked to compete for a ball at the breakdown.
Russell sought to get his hands in and potentially turn it over, but he was cleaned out while in an awkward position.
In pain
He walked off very gingerly and was replaced by youngster Orlando Bailey, who recently signed a new contract with the West Country club.
A huge blow for Bath Rugby as Finn Russell comes off after 15 minutes, is this a game changing moment? 🛁
Wishing Finn a speedy recovery 💪
Watch live on @tntsports, @beinsports_FR, @SuperSportTV and @FloRugby 📺#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/dd5fPj9bQX
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) April 6, 2024
Depending on the severity of the injury, it could be a blow for Bath ahead of the season run-in, who have enjoyed a much-improved year.
The Scottish playmaker has been at the centre of it, helping them to become genuine title challengers.
They currently reside in second place in the Premiership after winning eight of their 14 games, which includes earning 12 bonus-points.
Russell has transformed their attack, making them a threat both domestically and in Europe, but any long-term injury could be catastrophic for Bath.
As for the Scots, they head on a tour to the Americas in the summer, where they face Canada, USA, Chile and Uruguay.
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Defence
Credit must go to his Bath team-mates, who responded well to the setback as they defended for their lives amidst an Exeter Chiefs onslaught.
The Chiefs dominated most of the first half but the visitors took their two chances, with Thomas du Toit continuing his fine season with yet another try.
An error at the restart from Alfie Barbeary allowed Ross Vintcent to scamper across the whitewash and take the hosts ahead, but the away side responded.
Ted Hill has serious 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐋𝐒 🔥#EXEvBAT | #InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/BSBAB8Pd3F
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) April 6, 2024
Ben Spencer’s box-kick was brilliantly collected by Ted Hill on halfway. The versatile forward, who can play lock and blindside flanker, still had plenty to do, but he showed incredible pace.
Hill was being chased by the speedy Josh Hodge and new England wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso but he impressively managed to stay away from both of them as Bath went into the break 12-7 in front.
However, with Russell off the field, Bath lacked direction and it cost them in the second period as the Chiefs went away with a deserved 21-15 triumph to move into the quarter-finals.
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