BATH SEAL VAN ROOYEN SWITCH FROM LIONS
Bath poach Lions loosehead van Rooyen as seventh signing
bath rugby have signed Jacques van rooyen from Super rugby finalists Emirates Lions. The South African has been predominantly playing loosehead this season but has also packed down at tighthead. With Beno Obano out for most if not all of the 2018/19 season after knee surgery, van Rooyen will be compet- ing with Nathan Catt and Lucas Noguera for the No1 shirt, with Will Vaughan providing extra back-up from the academy. Van Rooyen, 31, started for the Lions when they lost 37-18 to Crusaders in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Saturday. He will arrive at Farleigh House this summer, but may need some time off before making his Blue, Black and White debut. “I’m really looking forward to testing myself in the northern hemisphere and playing for a club with a great deal of ambition going into the new season,” he said. Director of rugby Todd Blackadder added: “We are really pleased to bring someone in of Jacques’ calibre in time for the new season. “He’s proven himself in Super Rugby and will bring a great deal to the squad both at the set-piece and with ball in hand. “We have great strength in depth at loosehead with Jacques, Lucas [Noguera] and Nathan [Catt] all competing for the number-one shirt after losing Beno to injury in May. “Jacques can also play at tighthead, which adds another option over the course of a busy season of domestic and European rugby.” Van Rooyen is the seventh new player to arrive this summer along with Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Will Chudley (Exeter Chiefs), Jackson Willison (Worcester Warriors), Alex Davies (Yorkshire Carnegie) and Ruaridh Mcconnochie who has now finished with England 7s.
There can’t be many better places to train than Farleigh House...
Freddie Burns and Rhys Priestland are the players Jamie Roberts is most looking forward to playing with at Bath Rugby. The Wales international was given a gentle and light-hearted grilling by fellow countryman Aled Brew, as they cruised around Farleigh House in the club Land Rover for a Bath Rugby TV video. Brew brought the British & Irish Lions centre down to earth at the start of their chat, reminding him of when they used to play with and against each other as teenagers. He joked: “Remember that time when we were under-20s when I was sitting you down for fun?” “Delusions of grandeur,” replied Roberts. When asked who he was most looking forward to teaming up with in the Bath backline, Roberts said: “There are loads of players, but I play 12 so probably playing with Freddie Burns. “I’ve played with Priest [Rhys Priestland] a few times with Wales, but I’ve never played with him at club level, so I’m looking forward to that.” The former Cardiff Blues, Racing 92 and Harlequins centre had a sing-along to Tom Jones and the pair even stopped for a chat with Priestland as he walked his dog Yoshi around the grounds of Farleigh House. Roberts has been impressed by his new place of work. “Bath is very different,” he said. “It’s far quieter than South West London - a lot greener. “The rugby set-up, there can’t be many better places to train as a professional rugby player than Farleigh House. “It’s a pretty amazing place. It’s a huge privilege to come to work and I’m buzzing for the first game of the season to be honest.” The pair ran through Roberts’ numerous nicknames, including The Doctor - he’s a qualified doctor - Desperate Dan, Telly Head and The Jaw. As well as Roberts, Priestland and Brew, Luke Charteris and Darren Allinson are also flying the flag for Wales at Bath. “We’re like Bath Welsh,” Roberts said. “We’re taking over.”