Rokoduguni’s link to France
Despite having something of a career renaissance in recent months, Bath Rugby stalwart Semesa Rokoduguni, inset, looks set to leave the club for France in the summer.
The Rugby Paper reports the former England international winger, who turns 35 in August, has been in France this week finalising a move to Prod2 outfit US Montauban who currently sit seventh in the secondtier competition.
With Bath having just had their final bye weekend of the 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership season, all the players who were not rehabbing injuries were given the week off to recharge their batteries, or in Rokoduguni’s case finalise his next career move.
Rokoduguni scored on his last outing for Bath as the Blue, Black and White ended a five-game losing run to derby rivals Bristol Bears, winning 29-27 at the Rec.
It was the latest score in a legendary career at Bath after the Lance Corporal and reconnaissance tank soldier in the British Army broke into the team in 2012 having been handed an opportunity to run out for the second team, Bath United.
The Fijian-born powerhouse exploded onto the professional scene once he got his break and became an England international in 2014, scoring four tries in four appearances for the national team including a brace against his native country.
A move to France looks like a sensible decision at the latter stages of Rokoduguni’s career due to an income security scheme across The Channel called ‘chomage’ that means social security continues to pay a salary for an additional two years if a rugby player is injured at work or unable to secure a contract at another club, meaning a one year-contract would effectively become a three-year deal in terms of getting paid.
Despite his advancing years, Rokoduguni has been a regular for Bath this season, scoring four tries while making 14 Premiership appearances in 2021/22.
Should Rokoduguni depart at the end of the season as expected, Bath remain well-stocked with high-quality wingers with British and Irish Lion Anthony Watson, England internationals Ruaridh Mcconnochie and Joe Cokanasiga and former Sevens star Will Muir all on the books, as well as a host of emerging young talent.