Watson set to leave after end of season
Anthony Watson’s eight-year association with Bath will come to an end at the conclusion of the 2021/22 Premiership season when his contract expires, according to the Telegraph.
In what will be another hammer blow for the club, the report states the England international “has made up his mind to leave” amid Bath’s struggles at the foot of the table and confirmation last month that Wales star Taulupe Faletau will also be leaving the Rec.
Watson is yet to find a new club but will not be short of admirers across England’s top-flight and France’s Top 14, although the latter option would rule him out of contention for Eddie Jones’ 2023 World Cup squad.
The 27-year-old has previously been linked with Saracens, Wasps and London Irish but there are sure to be further suitors, albeit with the reduced £5million salary cap not leaving much room for manoeuvre.
Watson holds an option in his contract to sign an automatic extension on December 31 but that is not expected to be exercised as he looks to pastures new.
Watson signed for Bath from London Irish in 2013 and within a few months of making his bow for the club became a full England international, having previously starred at Under-20 level.
He’s made 126 appearances for the club but just two this season after suffering a ruptured ACL as he made his Premiership return in October following his summer exploits for the British & Irish Lions in South Africa.
While his time at Bath has helped make him a bona fide star, at domestic and international level, ultimately Bath’s lack of success during that time has made it hard for the club to keep hold of Watson.
Watson has only played in the Premiership play-offs twice and only once in the Champions Cup knockout stages, slim return for an individual of his quality.
That coupled with Bath’s current predicament, as they lie rock bottom of the Premiership and winless in all 10 matches, appears to have influenced his decision-making when considering his future beyond this summer.
■ BATH had announced that Valery Morozov had joined the club last Wednesday.
The 27-year-old arrived at the Rec from CSKA Moscow and began training with his new teammates at Farleigh House.
An international prop, Morozov debuted for Russia in 2016 helping the Bears win the Cup of Nations that year.
He made four appearances at the 2019 Rugby World Cup by which point he had started his journey in England with Sale Sharks.
The 6ft 3in dynamic scrummager became a key part of the Manchester outfit’s front row contingent, featuring 37 times in a two-year spell which included Premiership Rugby Cup success.
Morozov provides cover in the loosehead position with Beno Obano sidelined for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign.
On the club’s website, director of rugby Stuart Hooper said: “Valery is a high-calibre prop with international experience.
“He has solid fundamentals including excellent scrummaging ability. His ball-carrying challenges defences and he will significantly add to our pack for