Russell keen to make impact at Vodacom WP and Stormers

Russell was last Thursday released by the Sharks to join Western Province after spending much of this time there warming the substitutes’ bench.

The pocket-rocket has signed a two-year contract – (2007 and 2008) with WP, which will see him playing for the Stormers in the Super 14 and in the Currie Cup for WP.

He made his WP debut in 2001 in the Vodacom Cup, and also went on a pre-season tour with the 2001 Currie Cup team to Argentina. He has a total of 5 WP caps, but played for WP under 21 in 2001. The WP-under 21’s won the domestic title that year.

Word from the Stormers camp is that Russell, who made a name for himself at fullback and wing, will be given plenty of game time and It will also see him play at flyhalf for the Stormers in the Super 14 next year, rather than the utility role he fulfilled at the Sharks.

In an interview with rugby365.com, Russell made it clear he has his sights on bigger things. “I just want to play some good rugby,” he told the website.

“I know my potential and I know what I can achieve. I also know the World Cup is coming up next year and I want to be able to say to myself they can’t leave me out. I want to have a great season.

“It’s about playing at the union [WP] first and hopefully I can have a great season that can vouch for my World Cup selection.

“Change is a good thing and maybe it can spark some good things,” he added.

Russell has meanwhile been withdrawn from the South African squad for the International Rugby Board Sevens tournament in George in December.