Blue, Black & Whites sign Francis from Saints

BATH Rugby have signed England international fly-half Piers Francis from Northampton, writes John Evely.

The 31-year-old, who can also play at centre, has been an influential figure in the Saints backline for the past five seasons, but will join the Blue, Black & Whites in the summer following the conclusion of his contract in June after a couple years disrupted by injuries.

In a situation seemingly as old as time, Bath remain in a state of flux at stand-off, with 34-year-old Danny Cipriani set to leave at the end of his contract this summer. Fellow fly-half

Tian Schoeman has already departed to join Newcastle.

That left Orlando Bailey, 20, as the club’s first-choice stand-off for next season before the arrival of Francis.

Bath chief executive Tarquin McDonald said: “Piers’ experience will prove extremely valuable.

“He is a talented individual who will complement the young group of backs we have at the club.”

Coming up behind Bailey there is George Worboys, but his first-team opportunities have been restricted to the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Francis has experience at club and international level, making the England squad at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, as well as playing for the Blues in Super Rugby.

Francis said: “With the players the club currently has, and the ones that have been recruited, it is an exciting fresh start for me.

“Every time I have played at the Rec you feel the buzz from the supporters. I can’t wait to play in front of them and help the club progress.”

More immediately, bottom of the table Bath visit West Country rivals Gloucester tomorrow afternoon.