Anyone that was at The Sportsground, or that watched Connacht vs Glasgow on television, will be pleased to hear Finn Russell is feeling like himself again.
Less than a minute into Connacht’s Guinness PRO12 semi-final win, Russell was knocked unconscious after colliding with Warriors teammate Zander Fagerson.
The Scottish outhalf was treated on the field for several minutes before being stretchered off. Such was the force of the impact, Fagerson left the field for a Head Injury Assessment and did not return.
While Warriors returned to Glasgow after the game, Russell remained in Ireland for the best part of a week – receiving treatment in Galway and Dublin [at Beaumont Hospital].
Russell told Glasgow Warriors TV he was indebted to all the support he received from everyone involved with Connacht Rugby. He said:
“For me, it was more about the way Connacht went about everything was outstanding; it was amazing.
“My Mum stayed over with me the whole time and they looked after her and me. AJ MacGinty’s mum and dad came into the hospital and saw me and took my Mum out for food and drinks, looked after her and made sure she was okay.
“Dave McSharry’s dad also put my Mum and Lisa Casey (Warriors’ physio) up in a hotel. It was overwhelming, the support I got from Connacht after my injury.”
Russell is still precluded from taking contact, due to return to play protocols, but is hoping to get back out on the pitch in the coming weeks.
He should be ready to go for the start of a season that will see Warriors in the same Champions Cup pool as Munster. He will be keen to get back to Connacht, too, to give thanks in person.
