Knight has point to prove after joining Rouen
FORMER Bath prop Shaun Knight says the prospect of being third or fourth choice at a Premiership club holds no interest as he plots a new life in France.
Knight was released by Bath last month but had offers from other top-flight clubs before opting instead to join ambitious French third tier outfit Rouen, who narrowly missed out on promotion and are coached by former England No.9 Richard Hill.
Knight, a former England U20s colleague of Joe Marler and Jamie George, told The Rugby Paper: “Playing in France is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been in and around the Premiership a long time now so it’s great to be getting a new challenge.
“I went to see Rouen in March, when I spoke to Richard Hill, and it’s a place with massive drive and ambition. They came very close to being promoted this year but the aim next season is to have a really big push and get in with the big teams in Pro D2.” Knight, 28, added: “I feel I’ve got a bit of a point to prove. I enjoyed my two years at Bath after being at Gloucester before that, but I had a neck injury at the start of last season that kept me out for five months and they decided to sign a replacement for me.
“I had some offers from other Premiership clubs but I didn’t want to be third or fourth choice, I want to be playing and it’ll be good to get out of my comfort zone. French rugby puts a lot of store by its scrummaging so I’ll relish getting stuck into it there.”
Meanwhile, Plymouth fly-half Dan Mugford is ready to make a return to full-time rugby after agreeing to join French second division side Aurillac.
Mugford, 26, experienced depression after being released by Sale last year but has managed to rebuild his career in National League One. Aurillac finished 11th in Pro D2 last season and are coached by former Rotherham boss Andre Bester.