"A lot of resentment" - Anthony Watson speaks out about Bath exit
Rugby NewsSunday, 26 June 2022 at 18:39
Speaking to rugby scribe Ben Coles, England speedster Anthony Watson has revealed all about his messy Bath exit.
Capable of playing at full-back, wing or outside-centre, Watson will move to Leicester from Bath or the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season .
“They said they were not going to be able to offer anything to keep me,” Watson recalled in an exclusive interview with The Telegraph.
“There seemed to be a lot of mixed messages as to why the decision was made, who made it etc. I ended up with a lot of resentment, if I’m honest, towards a lot of the leadership in the organisation.
I just felt that after all my time at the club, things should have been handled better.”
Watson went on to speak about the salary cap, which has been significantly reduced from £6.4m to £5m for next season.
“I want to highlight that there are people in rugby, very good players, without a job next year,” Watson added. “Mike Brown, Rob Miller at Wasps, my brother [Marcus Watson].
'"For those boys there needs to be more aftercare, looking after what they are doing next. The [salary cap] rule was only implemented 18 months ago - it’s difficult for people to have to think about transitioning into life after rugby because of a quick rule change.”
Watson was born in Surrey and was a member of the London Irish academy before making his professional debut for The Exiles in 2011 and representing England at Under-20 level for the next two seasons.
He moved to Bath in 2013 and has since made more than 100 appearances for the club in the Premiership and European competitions.
He made his Test debut for England in 2014 against New Zealand at Twickenham and has made more than 50 international appearances, including at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.
He was also selected for back-to-back British & Irish Lions tours in 2017 and 2021.
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5 England internationals you didn't know are still playing
#1. Stephen Myler (Ospreys)
- Age: 37
- Total caps: 1
- Last appearance: vs Argentina (June 2013)
The 37-year-old has signed a contract extension to remain with the Welsh region for another season. The once-capped England international joined the region in 2020 from London Irish with his new contract marking his 20th year and his 21st season as a professional rugby player.
#2. Chris Pennell (Dallas Jackals)
- Age: 35
- Total caps: 1
- Last appearance: vs New Zealand (June 2014)
The former Worcester Warriors full-back left the club he was at since 2007 in the summer of 2021 but has continued his rugby career in the USA with the Dallas Jackals.
#3. Mike Tindall (Minchinhampton)
- Age: 42
- Total caps: 75
- Last appearance: vs Scotland (October 2010)
England legend and World Cup winner Mike Tindall plays a selection of matches for Minchinhampton, the club close to his home. The centre played outside centre for Bath and Gloucester, and won 75 caps for England between 2000 and 2011. He was a member of the England squad which won the 2003 World Cup.
#4. Chris Robshaw (San Diego Legion)
The former England captain is still playing with San Diego Legion for the 2022 MLR season. Robshaw’s first season with the team was curtailed by injury, as the flanker dislocated his shoulder twice within the span of his first three games.
#5. Steffon Armitage
- Age: 36
- Total caps: 5
- Last appearance: vs Italy (February 2010)
Rugby Pass have reported that the former England number 8 will depart Biarritz this summer for a stint in the third tier in French rugby.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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