LIST | Five Bath players linked with shock exits in 2021
1. Jonathan Joseph
The centre is thought to be out of contract in 2021 after last extending his deal at the Rec in 2019. Joseph, who joined the club in 2013 from London Irish, has 51 caps for his country while he also toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2017. There was a whisper that he could rejoin the Exiles, but that is just speculation at this point.
2. Joe Cokanasiga
The powerhouse arrived at Bath from London Irish on a three-year deal in 2018. Earning over £200k per season, 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. He could literally go anywhere he wants.
DID YOU KNOW? He formed a father-son centre partnership for the Army Vets team before returning to the UK in 2013.
3. Elliott Stooke
If The Rugby Paper is to be believed, the second-row could be on his way to Wasps when his current deal with the black, blue and whites expires. Gloucester and London Irish have also been linked with a move the 27-year-old.
DID YOU KNOW? He was also part of the Junior World Championship winning side of 2013
4. Zach Mercer
French Top 14 side Montpellier have confirmed their interest in signing number eight Mercer when his contract expires in 2021. The 23-year-old is back fit having missed the end of 2019/20, and undoubtedly will be one of Bath's key players this season, especially with for British and Irish Lions number eight Taulupe Faletau expected to miss much of the season on international duty with Wales.
DID YOU KNOW? His father is former rugby league footballer and coach Gary Mercer, who played for New Zealand and the New Zealand Māori rugby league team
5. Anthony Watson
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.Watson has also reveal that, similar to Christian Wade, he wants to try his hand in American football before he retires.
DID YOU KNOW? His uncle, Mark Watson, was one of the Concorde pilots.