Eddie Hearn continues to raid new sport as he signs up Scotland and Lions star
Finn Russell has become the second major name in rugby to link up with Eddie Hearn as the Scotland and Bath fly-half readies to sign with his Matchroom Talent Agency
Eddie Hearn has snapped up his second major name in rugby with Finn Russell reportedly signing up to his Matchroom Talent Agency.
The Bath and Scotland fly-half is one of the biggest names in the sport and has followed young sensation Henry Pollock in joining up with Hearn. The Telegraph reports that an official announcement will come in the near future after successful meetings in London last weekend.
Both Russell and Pollock are represented by the Stellar agency, which is rebranding to Cor after establishing a joint venture with Hearn. The 46-year-old, who is best known for his work in boxing, has said that he would only be interested in promoting fewer than five rugby players. Matchroom will only promote players attached to Cor.
Russell led Bath to their first Prem title in 30 years last season and this year the team from Somerset are well placed to defend their title whilst they are also in the last four of the European Cup.
The Scot was known for his mercurial style of play earlier in his career, but has matured into one of the world's best fly-halves. Last summer he helped the British and Irish Lions with a Test series down in Australia.
Pollock was also on that tour following a meteoric rise. Only last year did he make his England debut but he continued to impress whilst his huge personality has seen him grab plenty of headlines. The 21-year-old has become known for his bold celebrations, which haven't always been common place in rugby.
After he signed with Hearn the Matchroom supremo admitted he had been “looking at rugby for a long time” and that the Northampton back rower was going to be “the biggest star in rugby”.
Rugby has long been criticised for struggling to grow the game with some accusing it of being tied to its old school values. The financial struggles of clubs, some of whom have gone out of business, have been well publicised.
Hearn claimed after England’s epic 48-46 defeat in France during the final game of the Six Nations that he could barely name a single player - but that the sport had the scope to reach greater audiences than it currently does.
He said on social media: “When I was watching the England game, I only knew one player. I hope those in charge can start to give these players and the sport the profile, storytelling and noise it deserves. Like boxing, tough people and a sport built on discipline and respect – can and should be much bigger.”
