"New challenge" - England international departs Bath with immediate effect

Thursday, 02 November 2023 at 15:45

byRugby Rucker

Piers Francis will be leaving Bath Rugby to join Kurita Water Gush Akishima Rugby Club in Japan.

The 33-year-old back, who joined the Blue, Black and White from Northampton Saints, has decided to take on a new challenge overseas after spending just over a year at the southwest club.

Francis made 20 appearances for Bath during this time, scoring 109 points including two tries.

Francis said: “I am very grateful to Johann (van Graan) and Bruce (Craig) for giving me the opportunity to join such a historic club.

"Thanks to all the coaches, physios, and athletic performance staff for investing their time and effort into improving me as a player and person on a daily basis.

"The staff at the club have made my and my family’s experience a special one and their work is much appreciated. I hope my contribution has left the club in a better place and I wish everybody every success in the future.”

Bath Rugby

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"I am so grateful to Johann (van Graan) and Bruce (Craig) for giving me the opportunity to join such a historic club. Thanks to all the coaches, physios, and athletic performance staff for investing their time and effort into improving me as a player and person on a daily basis."

12:25 PM · Nov 2, 2023

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The 30 best rugby players in the world have been ranked

#30. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)

A rising Irish hooker known for his powerful scrummaging and dynamic play in open field. Sheehan's agility and tackling prowess make him a vital asset in set pieces and loose play alike, hinting at a promising future in international rugby

#29. Owen Farrell (England)

England's steadfast captain and fly-half, Farrell's tactical brilliance and accurate kicking guide his team's gameplay. Renowned for his leadership, his defensive grit and ability to control the game's pace make him a linchpin in England's rugby strategy.

Wales Online wrote: "The 31-year-old has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons recently but is a player you'd rather play with than against. Farrell is a natural leader of men, and will play a crucial role if England are to drag themselves out of the rut they find themselves in."

#28. Thibaud Flament (France)

A versatile lock for France, Flament's towering presence in the lineout and ferocious work rate define his style. With his strong carrying and breakdown skills, he is a force to be reckoned with in both set-piece dominance and open-field encounters.

#27. Shannon Frizell (New Zealand)

Frizzell's imposing physique and aggressive ball-carrying mark him as a formidable All Black flanker. His offloading ability, coupled with his defensive prowess, cements his position as a player who consistently makes his presence felt on the field.

#26. Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)

An anchor of the Springboks' scrum, Kitshoff's experience and technical expertise are unmatched. His exceptional work rate and relentless tackling contribute to his reputation as a reliable front-row stalwart, key to South Africa's forward dominance.

#25. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)

A powerhouse winger, van der Merwe's size and speed make him a lethal attacking threat. His ability to break tackles and finish tries, combined with his strong defensive efforts, adds a dynamic edge to Scotland's backline.

#24. Finn Russell (Scotland)

A creative playmaker at fly-half, Russell's flair and innovative decision-making set him apart. His precise passing and daring attacking kicks often unlock opportunities for Scotland. His presence ensures an unpredictable and exciting dimension to the team's game.

#23. Gael Fickou (France)

Fickou's versatility shines as he adeptly switches between center and wing. His elusive running and deft handling make him a key distributor, while his defensive tenacity fortifies France's backline. A well-rounded player with a significant impact.

#21. Marika Koroibete (Australia)

A speedster on the wing, Koroibete's blistering pace and strong ball-carrying abilities pose constant threats to opponents. His try-scoring prowess and exceptional work ethic make him an essential component of Australia's attacking strategies.

#21. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)

Kolbe's electrifying footwork and agility have earned him recognition as a world-class winger. Despite his smaller stature, he excels in evading defenders and creating scoring opportunities. His ability to turn defense into attack adds a unique flair to the Springboks' game.

#20. Frans Malherbe (South Africa)

A dominant tighthead prop, Malherbe's scrummaging proficiency is unmatched. His strength in the set piece provides a solid foundation for the Springboks' forward efforts. A stalwart in the front row, he contributes significantly to South Africa's forward dominance.

#19. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)

Renowned as a skillful fly-half, Sexton's experience and leadership shape Ireland's gameplay. His tactical acumen, accurate kicking, and ability to control the tempo of the match make him a linchpin in orchestrating Ireland's strategies.

#18. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)

A versatile back, Barrett's impressive boot, aerial skills, and positional awareness offer versatility to the All Blacks. His ability to play fullback, wing, or center, coupled with his goal-kicking prowess, makes him a valuable asset to the New Zealand squad.

#17. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)

A tenacious openside flanker, van der Flier's work rate and breakdown prowess are his standout traits. His relentless tackling and ability to secure turnovers make him a vital component of Ireland's defensive efforts and breakdown strategies.

#16. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)

#15. Will Jordan (New Zealand)

An exciting fullback/winger, Jordan's speed and finishing ability make him a try-scoring machine. His support play and elusive running lines exploit defensive gaps. His presence adds a dynamic edge to the All Blacks' attacking strategies.

#14. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)

Beirne's versatility as a lock and back-row player elevates Ireland's options. His athleticism, lineout skills, and aggressive breakdown work set him apart. An asset in both set pieces and open play, he consistently impacts the game.

#13. Scott Barrett (New Zealand)

A robust lock/flanker, Barrett's physicality and tireless work ethic make him an asset to New Zealand's forward pack. His lineout expertise and powerful ball-carrying contribute to the All Blacks' dominance in set pieces and loose play.

#12. Damian Penaud (France)

Penaud's flair as a center/winger adds a creative dimension to France's backline. His ability to break tackles and create scoring opportunities, combined with his defensive resolve, makes him a crucial player in France's strategies.

#11. Lukhanyo Am (South Africa)

Am's skillful play at center bolsters the Springboks' backline. His defensive prowess, distribution, and ability to create space for teammates highlight his versatility. A player who combines finesse with physicality on the field.

#10. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)

An exceptional tighthead prop, Furlong's scrummaging prowess and mobility set him apart. His ability to contribute in open play, both as a ball-carrier and in support, makes him a well-rounded force in Ireland's forward pack.

#9. Romain Ntamack (France)

France's rising star at fly-half, Ntamack's composure and playmaking abilities shine. His precise kicking, distribution, and tactical decision-making control the game's tempo. A young talent shaping France's attacking strategies.

#8. Pablo Matera (Argentina)

Matera's leadership as a dynamic flanker is central to Argentina's efforts. His aggressive ball-carrying, breakdown skills, and defensive tenacity inspire his team. A player whose passion and commitment set the tone on the field.

#7. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)

An iconic figure in New Zealand rugby, Barrett's versatility as a fly-half/fullback amplifies his impact. Renowned for his attacking brilliance, kicking precision, and spatial awareness, he is a linchpin in the All Blacks' strategies.

#6. Eben Eztebeth (South Africa)

A towering lock, Etzebeth's physicality and presence anchor South Africa's forward pack. His lineout expertise, ball-carrying power, and confrontational play style make him a formidable force on the field.

#5. Malcolm Marx (South Africa)

Marx's dynamism as a hooker is a key asset for the Springboks. His exceptional lineout accuracy, powerful carries, and aggressive breakdown work establish his dominance in both set pieces and open play.

#4. Richie Mo'unga (New Zealand)

New Zealand's dynamic fly-half, Mo'unga's playmaking brilliance and kicking precision shape the All Blacks' attack. His creative passes, tactical kicks, and ability to read defenses make him a pivotal force in orchestrating New Zealand's gameplay.

#3. Grégory Alldritt (France)

France's formidable number 8, Alldritt's powerful ball-carrying and breakdown skills define his impact. His ability to create momentum with every touch, coupled with his tenacious defensive efforts, solidify his position as a driving force in France's forward pack.

#2. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

An explosive back-rower, Savea's versatility and aggression set him apart. His breakdown dominance, ball-carrying strength, and defensive tenacity make him a vital asset for the All Blacks. A player whose intensity shapes both set pieces and open play.

#1. Antoine Dupont (France)

France's exceptional scrum-half, Dupont's speed, vision, and tactical acumen drive his team's rhythm. His precise passing, evasive running, and astute decision-making make him a linchpin in orchestrating France's attack. A player who dictates the game's tempo with finesse.

Wales Online wrote: "The France captain is widely regarded as the best player on the planet. Former world player of the year Dupont is the complete scrum-half and has the ability to win a game of rugby almost single-handedly.

"If he brings his A game France have a great chance of lifting the Williams Webb-Ellis Cup on home soil this autumn."

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