# Watson: Russell the key for Bath

> Bath's success hinges on Finn Russell staying fit after 2025 Champions Cup heartache.
- Title: Watson: Russell the key for Bath · The Rugby Paper | Shortify
- Summary: Bath's success hinges on Finn Russell staying fit after 2025 Champions Cup heartache. Bath needs Finn Russell to stay healthy to avoid repeating 2025…
- Keywords: anthony watson, bath, finn russell, champions cup, exeter, prem semi-final, sports, Watson, Russell, key, The Rugby Paper
- Source: The Rugby Paper — https://therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/494790/watson-russell-the-key-for-bath
- Author: The Rugby Paper Team
- Published: 2026-10-11T02:59:50+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: anthony watson, bath, finn russell, champions cup, exeter, prem semi-final, sports
## Watson backs Bath
Anthony Watson says Bath can go deep in tournament if Finn Russell stays fit.
## Russell's injury
Fly-half Russell was nursing a calf injury when Bath lost prem semi-final 27-26 to Exeter.
## Bath's 2025 loss
Bath were beaten by Bordeaux-Begles in 2025 Champions Cup semis with Russell starting.
## Key takeaway

Bath needs Finn Russell to stay healthy to avoid repeating 2025 Champions Cup semi-final loss.