REPORT | Anthony Watson set for shock departure in 2021 - Ruck

REPORT | Anthony Watson set for shock departure in 2021

Bath and England superstar Anthony Watson could be on the move in 2021 when his current deal ends.

Watson, who will be a free agent as things stand in 2021, will be offered a huge contract to try and tempt him to join the Parisians, who are also thought to be interested in Manu Tuilagi.

Having represented England through the age-groups, he made his full international debut in November 2014 against New Zealand and is now considered as an England regular, having won 41-caps.

However, according to RUCK sources, Racing are keen on recruiting the England flier as they expect Virimi Vakatawa, Simon Zebo and Teddy Thomas to depart the club when their contracts expire next year.

Thomas has been identified as a long-term target by Harlequins boss Paul Gustard, according to reports in France. Quins are looking for a high-profile wide man after Vereniki Goneva and Gabriel Ibitoye both departed Twickenham Stoop.

Meanwhile, following reports of interest, Midi Olympique claim that Gloucester have made a ‘colossal offer’ to Vakatawa in an attempt to lure him to Kingsholm.

Another report in France suggests out of contract Zebo could be joining London Irish, but they do not cite a source for this report.

The 30-year-old, who accumulated 35 Ireland caps between 2012 and 2017, will also not be offered a new deal by the Parisians.


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Free agent XV: The best players out of contract in summer 2021

15. Anthony Watson (Bath & England): The black, blue and whites will be desperate to hold onto the versatile speedster, but a report in the French press suggests that he could be joining Racing 92 ahead of the 2021/22 season.

14. Keith Earls (Ireland & Munster: The 32-year-old has won 84 caps for Ireland, scoring 30 tries, last penned a new contract in 2018, and is set to be a free agent. Reports in Ireland suggest the speedster will retire, but he could certainly do a job for most teams in Europe.

13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors & Scotland): In 2017, Glasgow Warriors announced that Jones had signed a contract until at least 2021. However, if reports are to be believed, the Scotland centre is keen on a move to the Gallagher Premiership with Leicester Tigers very interested.

12.Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks): The powerhouse could depart the AJ Bell Stadium in 2021 when his contract expires. The 29-year-old, who moved to the North West following his dramatic exit from Leicester Tigers, is reportedly being lined up to join Racing 92 in the TOP14 ahead of the 2021/22 season.

11. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath & England): The powerhouse arrived at Bath from London Irish on a three-year deal in 2018. He’s since became a regular pick for England head coach Eddie Jones and featured at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The 22-year-old won’t be short of options if he chooses to leave the. rec.

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