I’m gutted by lack of success – Watson

Real shame to leave Bath without winning something, says England wing Anthony

ANTHONY Watson’s parting words to Bath Rugby fans were of his absolute heartfelt disappointment that he has not been able to win a major trophy with the Blue, Black & Whites.

The Recreation Ground club have confirmed that the England wing, who also plays full-back, will join Leicester Tigers next season, ending a nine-season stay at the club, having joined from London Irish.

The 28-year-old joined Bath in 2013, debuting in a 21-0 away win over Newcastle, and has made 126 appearances to date, scoring 32 tries.

During his time in the West, he became a 51-cap international with England, and has been selected on two British & Irish Lions tours, earning five Test caps.

Watson said: “I’ve loved my time at Bath, it’s given me everything I could have hoped for and more off the field.

“But I leave gutted I wasn’t able to contribute to real success. I made no secret of my desire to win something with the club, so leaving having not done that is a real shame. My commitment to that never wavered.

“There are too many people to thank, ultimately everyone plays a role in your career both good and bad. I think looking all the way back I’d like to thank Mike Ford for believing in me and bringing me to the club in the first place.

“Dave Williams and Tabai Matson for their philosophy, which taught me so much about the sport and myself. Todd (Blackadder) for trusting me in a leadership role.

“Most importantly staff-wise, I must thank Neal Hatley. Loyalty is difficult to find at times, but I can honestly say that Hats has had my

back from being a young boy and helped me no end into being the player I am today.

“The lads know how I feel about them – I love my teammates. I’m gutted I wasn’t able to win with my best friends in JJ (Jonathan Joseph) and Beno (Obano), but I have had some of the best moments of my life on and off the field in the company of these two.

“I can’t thank them enough for just being themselves. To the rest of my teammates, I’m so appreciative of everything you’ve given me in terms of time, laughs and lessons. I will miss you.

“The fans have been amazing since minute one. Seeing how you support the lads throughout the highs and lows is inspiring, and ultimately I am disappointed I didn’t have the opportunity to continue to help bring a trophy to the city of Bath, which is what the fans deserve.”

Bath head coach Neal Hatley, pictured, added: “I have been privileged to work with Ant since he was 13 years old and have watched him develop into a 50-cap England international and double British & Irish Lion.

“He’s simply one of the hardest working people I know and his success comes as no surprise. His resilience and desire to be the best he can be and get better every day is not only evident in his work day-to-day, but has allowed him to bounce back from his big injuries.

“He’s of the best and most loyal players I’ve ever worked with. His desire to win, infectious laughter and brilliant attitude will be missed at the club. I can’t talk about him highly enough as a person first and then a player. “We wish Ant, Alyse and Kai all the very best for their future.”

Despite Watson’s departure, Bath remain well stocked with talent on the wing with Will Muir, Ruaridh McConnochie, Will Butt, Gabe Hamer-Webb and Gabe Goss all options.