Bath forced to pull Wilson’s new deal
James Wilson has left Bath Rugby because the club can no longer afford to keep him.
Just when it appeared the versatile Kiwi would be the final piece in the midfield jigsaw, there was no longer room for him. The 34-year-old was offered at least another year after impressing in his debut season at the Rec and he was looking forward to playing on. But the club has said “circumstances beyond their control” mean they can no longer retain his services. Wilson posted a picture of his front door on Instagram with the words “Bye Bye Bath”. He also included a meme of rapper Drake crying and the word “savage” superimposed onto his letterbox. The Chronicle spoke to director of rugby Todd Blackadder at the end of last season and a month ago about Wilson’s situation. On both occasions he said he was keen for the former Northampton Saint to stay and was not only hopeful, but confident a deal could be done. It appeared it had been sorted before the situation suddenly changed. Blackadder said: “The club’s intention was to progress with the signing of James Wilson. However, during the time period before the contract was finalised, circumstances beyond the club’s control led to the squad composition needing to be reviewed. “It’s disappointing that this meant we needed to move in a different direction. Wilson served the club incredibly well during the 17/18 season and left a lasting impression on both our players and our supporters.” The club has not elaborated on the “circumstances” it is referring to. One thing that has been confirmed recently is that Dave Attwood - one of the highest paid forwards at the club - is staying for the final year of his contract rather than moving to Toulon permanently. The Chronicle understands Bath who spend right up to their yearly salary cap of £7million - have tried to find loan clubs for several players in the first-team squad, which could potentially free up some money, but have not yet managed to do so. Wilson arrived from Bedford Blues as injury cover last autumn when Ben Tapuai and Max Clark had picked up injuries. He ended up having a fine season; playing the tenth most minutes of any player in the squad (1,322) across the Premiership, Champions Cup and Anglo-welsh Cup. He played in the centres, at full-back and was man of the match slotting in at fly-half and kicking seven goals from seven against Sale Sharks at the Rec. In the final two weeks of the season he shone at 12; scoring three tries and helping to get Bath’s attack firing out wide.