Allende definitely not coming to Bath
Bath Rugby fans’ hopes of seeing Springboks World Cup winner Damian de Allende in the Blue, Black and White next season were ended today when the Munster star centre confirmed he will not be playing in Europe beyond the summer.
The Rugby Paper had linked the 30-year-old back with a potential move to the West Country in the summer, joining his current Munster head coach Johann van Graan at Bath when the South African leaves the Irish province for the same role at the Gallagher Premiership club.
But on Tuesday, De Allende told the Irish media: “I’m not staying [at Munster], but it hasn’t been confirmed where I’m going.
“I’m not staying in Europe, so I’m definitely not going to Bath, I haven’t spoken to anyone at Bath.
“I will not be staying in Europe as of the end of the season, which is unfortunate, but I’m looking forward to ending the season on a high.
“I really want to leave Munster with great memories I’ve made already, but some silverware as well.”
De Allende has been linked with a big-money move back to the Japanese League One where he previously played, although his statement today presents the possibility of him returning to his native South Africa ahead of their defence of the World Cup in France late next year.
Three players who will be at Bath next season are the latest crop of rising stars from the academy, with the club confirming Nahum Merigan, Frankie Read and George Worboys have all extended their contracts with Bath Rugby.
All three players have come into the Senior Academy through the Beechen Cliff School pathway, a close partnership that develops promising young players within the Bath Rugby catchment area on and off the field.
Academy manager Craig Lilley said: “We are extremely proud of Nahum,
Frankie and George’s journey at Bath Rugby.
“Nahum performed really well with England Under-20s last season and was a big part of their U20 Six Nations Grand Slam achievement.
“He has been working hard on his physical development and we have seen good signs of what he can do both sides of the ball, both in gaining momentum in attack and denying defence on the gain-line.
“Frankie’s opportunities over the past two years have been restricted due to Covid and injury, but we are really looking forward to seeing him play BUCS rugby next season.
“He shone in schoolboy rugby, and we are excited to see him take the next step.
“George has produced some outstanding performances from fly-half in BUCS this season and has shown great leadership.
“Next season will provide him with an opportunity to further develop his qualities.
“All three have been with the club since the start of the DPP and we are looking forward to maximising their potential.”
Bath travel to Exeter on Saturday.