EPCR Challenge Cup side Bath Rugby have announced the signing of fly-half Finn Russell, with the Scotland international set to join after the 2023 World Cup.

The 30-year-old has scored 254 points in 51 Heineken Champions Cup games, reaching the final of EPCR’s elite competition with Racing 92 in 2020.

Russell, who was part of the British & Irish Lions tours in 2017 and 2021, joined the TOP 14 side from Glasgow Warriors in 2018 and will head to Bath with a wealth of EPCR experience to his name.

“To be able to join such a historic, well-supported club is really exciting,” Russell said. “I know players at Bath who speak highly of the environment and the direction the club is going in is something I want to be a part of.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Racing 9, and I’ve learned a lot. Now is the right time for a new challenge, in a new league, with the aim of moving Bath back to the top end of the Premiership and competing for domestic and European titles.”

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan, whose side have endured a difficult start in this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup losing at home to Glasgow Warriors (22-19) and away to RC Toulon (29-7), hailed the signing of such an accomplished player.

“Finn is a world-class player who will significantly add to our squad on and off the field,” he added. “To be able to attract players of Finn’s quality to Bath Rugby is a credit to how far we have come as a club and a group since 11 July.

“We look forward to welcoming his experience, leadership and expertise to the Blue, Black and White.”