England’s Lawrence is staying at The Rec
Johann van Graan said he is ‘ecstatic’ to have signed England international centre Ollie Lawrence on long-term deal at Bath Rugby.
Lawrence, 23, initially joined Bath on loan from Worcester Warriors last week along with teammates Ted Hill, Valeriy Morozov and Fergus Leewarner following the club’s suspension from the league due to being financially unsustainable, but after a court hearing wound up the Warriors on Wednesday they became free agents. Bath head of rugby van Graan has moved swiftly to secure the services of Lawrence on what is understood to be a two-year deal, while Australian back five player in the pack Lee-warner has been signed up until the end of the season.
Van Graan confirmed talks with loosehead prop Valeriy Morozov and backrower Ted Hill are ongoing with regards to their long-term future at the club.
Discussing the headline signing, van Graan said: “Ollie made a big impression on me straight away. He wants to achieve and play international rugby again. He believes in what we want to do here at Bath Rugby.”
Explaining the qualities Lawrence possesses which makes him an attractive signing, van Graan said: He is very diligent, a ball carrier, aggressive defender, poacher, he has a good rugby IQ and he wants to be part of the group to become better.
“On Saturday he gave us good gain line and provided good defensive pressure too. He has lovely footwork and an excellent hand-off.
“I think he can play both 12 and 13. The reason I went for him and Cam [Redpath] against Gloucester is they have got a previous relationship, they are good friends and have played together for England U20s. We have got other very good centres at the club in Max Ojomoh, Will Butt, Jonathan Joseph, Louie Hennessey but I thought they were the best options to get the job done.
“I believe Ollie will make a real difference to Bath Rugby in the years to come. I am absolutely ecstatic to have the two of them signed up.”
Lawrence has seven England caps to his name having made his debut in 2020 against Italy in Rome. In 2021 he featured for the national side against Scotland, France and Ireland in the