Anthony Watson 'nearing Bath exit' as he begins contract talks - Ruck

Anthony Watson ‘nearing Bath exit’ as he begins contract talks

Anthony Watson has “made up his mind” that he will leave with the 27-year-old having spent the last eight years at the club.

A complication could be the British and Irish Lions ACL injury suffered against Saracens in October will rule him out until the summer, meaning any move would be risk due to the injury.

Likely suitors look in short supply as the Premiership’s big-hitters look unlikely to be able to fit any marquee signings into their squads following the reduction in the salary cap.

Leicester Tigers, Saracens and Exeter Chiefs would ordinarily be in contention to sign the winger but those three all have concerns regarding the new regulations which were implemented in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

However, a favourite has emerged from the pack as Wasps are reportedly on the hunt for a marquee signing after it was all but confirmed that All Black Malakai Fekitoa will depart the club.

The men in black and gold have reportedly been in touch with the 27-year-old’s representatives, and they hope to have a contract offer to put in front of him later this week.

Watson, who has also been linked with a move to boyhood club London Irish, would be joining his brother Marcus, who himself won a silver medal with Team GB during the 206 Olympic Sevens event.

EDITORS PICKS:

Transfer round-up.

RUMOUR: Saints are showing an interest in bringing Italian international scrum-half Callum Braley back to the Premiership next season (The Rugby Paper). FULL STORY

SIGNED: Ulster have confirmed they have signed Saracens flanker Sean Reffell, as well as Irish internationals John Cooney and Will Addison. FULL STORY

RETURN: With Leicester and Saracens struggling to balance the books, George Kruis has become a target for Exeter Chiefs after they lost international second-row’s Jonny Hill and Sam Skinner. FULL STORY

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