Finn Russell: Threat of Top 14 relegation a key factor in France's European club success

Racing 92 are among three French Champions Cup semi-finalists 

JEOPARDY: Racing 92's Finn Russell

Finn Russell believes the threat of relegation in France's Top 14 is a key factor behind the success of the French clubs in the Champions Cup with Racing 92 one of three to reach the last four - which features no English Premiership teams for the second year running.

Russell scored a remarkable try in Racing’s victory over Sale last Sunday to ensure a rematch of last season’s semi-final against Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle, on Sunday, while Leinster host Toulouse, the defending champions, on Saturday. Sale’s defeat leaves no English clubs in the reckoning in a tournament that was won by a Premiership side for four of the five seasons before the current lean spell began.