Elliot Stooke returns to the Premiership with immediate effect after leaving Montpellier

Stooke, a familiar face in the Bath Rugby family, departed in 2021 to embark on a stint with Wasps, eventually making his mark in the competitive Top 14 league with Montpellier.

This week marks a significant homecoming for the towering 6ft6 lock, as he rejoins the Bath Rugby squad from his overseas venture in France. His return promises to bolster the team's pack, providing an additional and formidable option as they navigate the challenges of the season ahead.

Of Stooke’s return to the club, Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, told Bathrugby.com: “Elliott will offer another option for us in our set-piece.

“Our line-out, maul and scrum are elements we’re consistently working on so to add Elliott’s experience to these will only be a positive for us.

“He is familiar face with the Bath Rugby supporters and I’m sure they’ll give him a warm welcome when they see him at The Rec.”

Speaking of his return to the Blue, Black and White jersey, Stooke commented: “It’s great to be back at Bath. Playing at The Rec is always such a memorable experience so to be able to come back to the club is an honour.

“I’m familiar with some of the faces here, from both my days at the club the first time around but also from my time at Wasps. It’ll be good to work with Lee [Blackett] again and to get to play with Alfie [Barbeary] too.

“It’s funny how things work out and I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to pull on the Blue, Black and White hoops once again.”

A veteran of four World Cups, Brian O’Driscoll made a name for himself on the World Stage for his unwavering consistency in defence and dazzling skills in attack.

O’Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player.

Wilkinson said: “The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”

Renowned for his exceptional leadership and skill, McCaw led the team to two Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, solidifying his status as an iconic figure in the sport.

Wilkinson said: “The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No Rugby World cup team would be complete without him.”

Bakkies Botha made his World Cup debut in 2003, scoring three tries for South Africa.

His second Rugby World Cup appearance followed in 2007 where he played a pivotal role in the Springboks' charge to the sport's biggest prize.

Wilkinson said: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.

Wilkinson wrote: “A guy that knew how to win, knew how to play the game. His body language suggested he didn’t really know how to fail or what mistakes were, what under performance was.”

One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences.

Jonah Lomu burst on to the scene at the 1995 with his eye catching performances and devastating runs, most recognisably against England in the 1995 tournament, where he steamrollered his way to 4 tries.

Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999, making him the top try scorer of the tournament.

Wilkinson wrote: “The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No toughest opponents list would be complete without him.”

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