Eddie Hearn is closing in on another major move into rugby, with Finn Russell set to join his growing talent management stable just weeks after the high-profile signing of Henry Pollock, as reported by The Telegraph.
The Matchroom Sport chairman has already made waves by bringing England back-row Pollock into his newly expanded agency, and now looks poised to secure one of the sport’s biggest names.
Russell Deal Edges Closer
Russell, who currently plays for Bath Rugby and represents Scotland, is widely regarded as one of the most marketable figures in the game.
Reports suggest an agreement is close following recent meetings in London, with an official announcement expected soon.
The fly-half played a central role in Bath’s Premiership and European Challenge Cup double last season — their first major silverware in nearly two decades — further enhancing his reputation as one of rugby’s elite playmakers.
Hearn’s Growing Rugby Ambition
Hearn, best known for his dominance in boxing promotion, has made no secret of his desire to break into rugby.
After partnering with Stellar Rugby, he identified Pollock as his first major acquisition, describing the 21-year-old as a future superstar.
Now, the pursuit of Russell signals a step up in strategy — moving from emerging talent to established global names.
Speaking earlier this year, Hearn praised the Scotland international’s profile.
“He’s one of the greatest in the world, a fantastic ambassador and a great personality,” he said.
A New Commercial Era for Rugby?
Russell’s potential signing highlights the growing commercial opportunities within rugby, particularly for players with strong personalities and cross-market appeal.
Unlike many of his peers, Russell already operates comfortably in the spotlight, combining elite performance with a style of play that attracts attention beyond traditional rugby audiences.
Hearn’s approach, placing athletes into mainstream media spaces, could open new doors for rugby stars, mirroring the crossover success seen in boxing and MMA.
From Pollock to Russell — A Statement of Intent
The addition of Russell would represent a significant escalation in Matchroom’s rugby ambitions.
Pollock’s signing focused on future potential. Russell, by contrast, arrives as a proven international star with global recognition.
Together, they signal a clear intent: Hearn is building a presence in the sport.
What Comes Next
If completed, the deal could mark a pivotal moment for rugby’s off-field landscape.
It presents Russell with an opportunity to expand his profile beyond the pitch. And with it, Hearn can strengthen his claim that rugby is ready for a new kind of promotion.
And for the sport itself, this is the beginning of a shift in how rugby markets its biggest names.
Because if Matchroom’s move lands as expected, Finn Russell may not just be signing with an agency, he may be propelling his own and rugby’s stardom onto an even larger scale.
