Wright exits in bid for game time as loanees look set to arrive

CENTRE Max Wright has joined Newcastle Falcons from Bath Rugby on a three-month loan, the club have confirmed, writes John Evely.

The 24-year-old, pictured, heads to Kingston Park in a bid for more game time in the Gallagher Premiership after a frustrating injury-hit 2020/21 campaign which saw him make just one appearance in Blue, Black and White.

Academy centre Max Ojomoh has emerged at the end of last season while experienced duo Max Clark and Jonathan Joseph, as well as Academy graduate Will Butt, have all featured in matchday squads as midfield options.

And Bath still have Scotland international Cam Redpath to return from an ACL injury in 2022 as an additional centre option.

Wright will be available for selection for the Falcons’ Gallagher Premiership Round Three match against Wasps Rugby on Saturday.

Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper said: “Max has had a tough time with injuries over the past couple seasons. He is in need of all-important game time to continue his development and this loan to Newcastle is the perfect opportunity for him to feature on a regular basis in the Premiership.”

Newcastle beat Bath 20-13 last weekend at the Rec to condemn the Blue, Black and White to two straight defeats to begin the 2021/22 league campaign, with a difficult trip to Ashton Gate to face derby rivals Bristol

Bears tomorrow night next on the agenda.

Wright becomes the second centre to leave the club this season with Fijian international Josh Matavesi departing permanently to take up a lucrative contract in Japan.

Meanwhile, Bath are in the advanced stages of adding two players to their squad on loan deals, director of rugby Stuart Hooper has confirmed. Hooper, is looking to bring in cover at scrum-half with first-choice nine Ben Spencer sidelined with a hamstring issue, along with cover in one other position which is likely to be at hooker or second row. Hooper said: “We’re hopefully looking to be able to announce something by the back end of next week.”

Danny Cipriani has been sidelined with a concussion, from which he could return tomorrow to face Bristol Bears (7.45pm), and South African Tian Schoeman is out with a knee injury until the turn of the year, leaving just Orlando Bailey to cover fly-half last weekend.

However, Hooper, confirmed he was not initially looking to bring in another option at stand-off.