Talks over Attwood departure ‘ongoing’
BATH will consider releasing Dave Attwood from his contract to join Toulon – but only if the correct compensation is forthcoming and a suitable replacement can be found.
French giants Toulon are keen to secure Attwood’s services after the second row enforcer proved his fitness during a successful four-month loan spell at the end of last season.
Attwood, 31, won the last of 24 England caps against South Africa in 2016 before enduring 16 months of injury hell, but is understood to be open to continuing his career in the Top 14 – a move that would scupper any hopes of appearing at the 2019 World Cup.
Attwood has a year left at Bath. However, Stuart Hooper, the club’s director of performance and player development, told TRP: “Dave went to France for well documented reasons and really enjoyed it. The only way a transfer would happen is if we were very comfortable with a) the compensation, and b) have a suitable replacement for Dave. “That’s something that’s ongoing at the moment.” London Irish second row Josh McNally, who recently trained with England, is thought to be be lined up as a replacement. Meanwhile, Hooper says Bath are reviewing their medical arrangements in light of the inordinate number of injuries sustained last season. While Bath owner Bruce Craig recently questioned England’s training methods following the serious injury suffered by prop Beno Obano, Hooper conceded: “It’s a huge area for us to improve on and it crosses every department of the club – medical, S&C, coaching and support staff – with what impact we have during the week on how guys train and play. “A big element is prehab – how we prepare people for rugby – and we’ll be bringing in a new head of medical to help us move into the new season.
“Contacts and ball in play time have increased and we were one of a number of clubs affected by more injuries, so it’s about looking at what we can control that allows our guys the best chance of staying fit.”
Obano, below, has now undergone surgery on a mangled knee that could sideline him for 12 months.
Chris Ashton is seeking a release from his contract with Toulon, according to reports in France.
Ashton is currently ineligible for his country due to the RFU’s stance on selecting overseas-based players.
The 31-year-old signed a three-year deal with Toulon last summer. Last season he broke the Top 14 try-scoring record, with 24. He scored 19 tries in 39 England Tests.