Ollie Lawrence may have played his one and only game for Bath with other clubs wanting to sign the England centre.
Joining the Black, Blue and Whites initially on loan from Worcester, Lawrence had his Warriors contract terminated this week after the club was liquidated.
“Ollie was very good. There were a few nervous knock-ons at the start but he’s a class player. He gave us good gainline and good defensive pressure,” said Van Graan, who faces competition from Sale for the 23-year-old.
“He’s got lovely feet, an excellent hand-off and very good rugby IQ. For a player to come into a system and train on a Tuesday and a Thursday…well done to him.
“I’m not going to discuss contract detail but it’s an incredibly unique situation coming to us on loan and two days later what happened to Worcester.
“We’re glad that the Worcester players are currently at Bath. I really hope he will be here next week. Unfortunately, I can’t say any more than I sure hope he’ll be here next week.”
RUCK sources suggest Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints are also both interested in signing Lawrence.
The England XV Mike Brown selected for the 2023 World Cup
Former England fullback Mike Brown attempted to predict the XV that will take to the field in the first game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup back in January 2021.
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Tom de Glanville (Bath RFC)
- 14. Anthony Watson (England)
- 13. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
BROWN SAID: “De Glanville has all the skills. Get him in now to see if he can make the step up.”
RUCK’S PICKS: 15. Josh Hodge (Exeter Chiefs), 14. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath RFC), 11. Ollie Thorley (Gloucester)
CENTRES:
- 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
- 12. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
BROWN SAID: “Slade has got the natural ability that we associate with All Blacks. Farrell showed against Wales what he can do as second receiver, bringing outside backs into the game and off-loading when taking the line on himself.”
RUCK’S PICKS: 13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins), 12. Owen Farrell (Saracens)