Rivals chase Ewels but Watson set to commit himself at the Rec
BATH look to have won their battle to keep at least one of their out-of-contract England stars at the Rec for next season.
Last week Blindside revealed that Northampton Saints and Bristol were keeping tabs on Jonathan Joseph, below, while Leicester Tigers and Saracens want lock Charlie Ewels. Joseph is holding out for a better deal than the one Bath have put on the table while Ewels could use interest from elsewhere to get improved terms. But we have been told this week that it appears winger Anthony Watson is close to agreeing terms with the club. The Lions star is currently out of action after he ruptured his Achilles tendon for a second time during a commercial photoshoot in the summer.
He suffered the injury while catching a ball with NFL players, re-injuring the leg that he damaged playing for England against Ireland during last season’s Six Nations.
Watson, who can also play full-back, has spent the last five years in the West Country after starting his career with a two-year stint at London Irish.
The 24-yearold has been locked in talks with Bath since the start of the season in a bid to agree a deal and we have been told that they are on course to be successful.
Watson will be able to now regain fitness without distractions as he looks to earn a place in Eddie Jones World Cup squad.