Ace Francis ready for a fresh start at The Rec
NORTHAMPTON Saints and England centre Piers Francis will join Bath for the 2022-23 season.
The 31-year-old, who can also play fly-half, has been an influential figure at Franklin’s Gardens for the past five seasons.
Francis, who has eight caps and represented England at the 2019 World Cup, played for the Blues in Super Rugby prior to joining Northampton.
He said: “With the players Bath currently have and the ones that have been recruited, it is an exciting fresh start for me.
“Every time I have played at The Rec you feel the buzz from the supporters. I can’t wait to play in front of them and help the club progress.”
Fly-half Tian Schoeman will leave Bath to join Newcastle on a three-year deal. He said: “I’m looking forward to playing for Newcastle and having had more than a year at Bath I’m gradually getting used to the British weather.”
The South African, whose season-ending injury in March 2021 came against the Falcons at Kingston Park, said he consulted former teammates Philip van der Walt and Louis Schreuder about the move, with the latter heading in the opposite direction to join Bath.
“They’ve spoken really highly about the Falcons,” Schoeman added.
Prop Adam Brocklebank and Argentinian centre Matias Orlando have signed two-year contract extensions with Falcons.
Worcester have signed Italy No.8 Renato Giammarioli. The 27-yearold, who has won five caps, is the seventh signing for the 2022-23 season – all of them forwards.
“Renato has a fantastic skill set,” said Warriors boss Steve Diamond. “His dynamic carrying, and confrontational defence will serve us well.”
Northampton have signed Australian winger James Ramm from the Waratahs. Ramm, 23, has made 20 league appearances in Super Rugby and represented Australia at the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2018, but is also qualified to play for England.
Samoan international Alapati Leiua will leave Bristol at the end of the season and join French Pro D2 side Vannes. Leuia, 33, was one of Bristol DoR Pat Lam’s first signings when he took over in 2017 and has played over 100 games for the club.
Cardiff have confirmed the signing of Tonga forward Lopeti Timani from Toulon for next season.
Timani, a second row who can also play in the back row, made 12 appearances for Australia in 2016 before switching his international allegiance to the land of his birth. The 31year-old qualified for Tonga in 2021 and made his debut against England in November.
Elsewhere, Cornish Pirates have confirmed Hartpury hooker Will Crane will join the club for the 2022-23 season.