Rhys set to come ‘home’
RHYS Priestland is being linked with a move back home to Wales.
The veteran fly-half, who turns 34 this weekend, is out of contract at Bath in the summer.
The Rugby Paper reports that Cardiff Blues are leading the chase to secure the services of the Carmarthen product.
Priestland has previously acknowledged he’s playing for his Bath future but the 50-cap player has done an outstanding job since moving from the Scarlets in 2015.
He even won the Gallagher Premiership’s Golden Boot award last term, scoring 200 points as The Rec outfit reached the play-offs for the first time in five years.
Priestland was presented with his prestigious trophy at a virtual awards ceremony held by England’s clubs in November.
The suggestion is the Blues have made Priestland an offer to continue his career this side of the River Severn.
There is uncertainty about the plans of Jarrod Evans as the talented Wales international heads for the end of his contract at the Arms Park.
Currently out of favour at Test level, he has been linked with a move to England, but if he did head for the Gallagher Premiership he would give up any hope of a Wales recall under the rule that prevents exiled players from wearing the red jersey unless they have won 60 or more caps.
Priestland signed a two-year deal with Bath in 2019.
The Cheetahs’ Tian Schoeman has reportedly been lined up for a switch to the English club, who have been using Josh Matavesi, normally a centre, at No. 10 when Priestland has been unavailable.
Wherever the West Walian ends up, he has shown over the past year he can run a game as well as pretty much anyone around. In the autumn he was being called ‘Wales’s best fly-half’ after a string of impressive performances for Bath, including one against Harlequins that was described as majestic.
He also has vast experience, acquired over a senior career spanning more than 13 years which hit a high with appearances at the 2011 and 2015 World Cups.