REPORT: Bath make move for Wales International

Sunday, 09 January 2022 at 08:16

before and after interior design make over comparison tutorial youtube thumbnail 83

byRugby Rucker

Bath Rugby are reportedly interested in signing Wales international fly-half Rhys Patchell to their squad next season with Danny Cipriani set to leave the club.

Patchell made the move west from his home region Cardiff Blues in 2016 and became a key player in the Scarlets' stunning Guinness PRO12 title triumph that season.

A classy operator, who is at ease at fly-half and full-back, he has been a regular in Wales' international squad in recent years, starring on the unbeaten 2018 tour of the Americas and at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Featured again for Wales during the autumn of 2020 to take his total number of caps to 17.

Meanwhile, the Dragons have lined up Wales-qualified Bath centre Max Clark as they continue to tap into the exiles market.

It has also already been confirmed that Wales star number eight Taulupe Faletau will leave Bath for Cardiff next season with a number of other stars set to follow him out the exit door.

Find out who's leaving The Rec - and where they could be heading to next- down below.

#1. Danny Cipriani

Age: 34
Position: Fly-half
Honours: England - 16 caps
Where's he going? Newcastle Falcons (Rumoured)

He has struggled to rediscover his best form in the black, blue and white shirt since joining last summer. Although you could point to a number of injuries as the reason for his slow start, he has undoubtedly proved to be a flop thus f

He has struggled to rediscover his best form for Bath since joining in the summer following his six-month sabbatical after leaving Gloucester.

Although you could point to several injuries as the reason for his slow start, he has undoubtedly proved to be a flop thus far at The Rec.

With his contract up at the end of the season, Cipriani has emerged as a target for Newcastle Falcons - who are looking for an experienced number 10 following Toby Flood's retirement.

Bath Rugby player Danny Cipriani during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Nov 5th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#2. Anthony Watson

Age: 27
Position: Fullback/Wing
Honours: England & Lions - 51 & 6 caps
Where's he going? London Irish, Wasps, Toulouse (All rumoured)

Watson will leave struggling Bath when his contract finishes at the end of the 2021/22 season, according to the Telegraph.

The speedster has been with the West Country outfit since 2013, has decided not to take up the option of extending his stay with the club.

Watson has a clause in his contract which allows him to sign an automatic extension by the end of today (December 31), but that is unlikely to be exercised.

Anthony Watson of Bath Rugby arrives for the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate on 1 Oct. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#1. Jonathan Joseph

Age: 30
Position: Outside-centre
Honours: England - 51 caps
Where's he going? Sale Sharks (Rumoured)

Centre Joseph is out of contract with Bath next summer and is understood to be on Sale’s shortlist if Rohan Janse van Rensburg returns home to South Africa.’

Jonathan Joseph of Bath Rugby during the Challenge Cup Semi Final Match between Bath Rugby and Montpellier at the Recreation Ground on 1 May. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#4. Taulupe Faletau

Age: 31
Position: Number 8
Honours: Wales & Lions - 86 and 5 caps
Where's he going? Cardiff Blues (Confirmed)

Commenting on the move, he said: “I’m really looking forward to joining Cardiff next season.

“I’m excited about having a new challenge, working with Dai Young and playing alongside some familiar faces.

“Playing international rugby is still something I have a lot of passion for and I hope that by playing well for Cardiff I’ll be able to continue to do that .

“I’ve enjoyed the last five years at Bath and I hope to finish this season off strongly."