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                                 EXHIBIT 23(a)





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                   EXHIBIT 23(a) - CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Russell Corporation
for the registration of 339,455 shares of its common stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 26, 1994, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Russell
Corporation included and incorporated by reference in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended January 1, 1994, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                                /s/ ERNST & YOUNG

Birmingham, Alabama
June 24, 1994