Bath captain linked with shock departure despite Premiership triumph
Rugby News
“With the departure of Nolann Le Garrec, Racing 92 is reportedly looking for a scrum-half to support youngsters Leo Carbonneau and Kleo Labarbe. Ben Spencer’s name is emerging."
“Racing 92 is in the midst of a transition at scrum-half. In a few weeks, Nolann Le Garrec will join La Rochelle, and Brive’s Leo Carbonneau will replace the international scrum-half in the Parisian squad. However, Racing’s management is looking for another number nine to support Carbonneau, Labarbe, and the versatile Antoine Gibert.
“He currently forms the best half-back partnership in the Premiership”
“After showing interest in the profile of Bayonne player Guillaume Rouet, the Hauts-de-Seine club’s management is now reportedly interested in England international Ben Spencer (32 years old, 8 caps).
“He currently forms, at Bath and alongside Finn Russell, the best half-back partnership in the Premiership. He is also expected to play in the Challenge Cup final against Lyon on May 23. But won’t his non-Jiff status ultimately put Racing off?”
“Ben is not only a world-class player but the leader and captain of our team and a true family man,” said Johann van Graan, the Bath head of rugby, in March.
“He has that special game-winning ability that inspires others and brings out the best in the people around him.
“Time and again, Ben has demonstrated he can perform on the biggest stage and is such a huge part of what we are all working towards on our journey at the club.”
EDITORS PICKS:
2/10: 5 Big-Name Underperformers from the Premiership Final
Honourable Mention: Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
A brief cameo turned sour as the veteran prop bowed out of professional rugby with a controversial yellow card for a late hit on Finn Russell. Rugby Pass called it "a tragic way to finish his career."
Rating: 2/10
#1. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath)
He found himself in good positions but couldn’t make them count. Handling errors crept in, undermining his usual wrecking-ball threat.
"Unusually mistake-filled… unable to hold the ball," noted RUCK.
Rating: 5/10 (Planet Rugby), 6/10 (RUCK)
#2. Adam Radwan (Leicester Tigers)
Radwan had flashes of pace, but spent much of the match marooned in heavy traffic. His defensive work didn’t help either.
"Bath dominated in the air and Radwan also missed quite a few tackles," Planet Rugby observed.
Rating: 5/10
#3. Handré Pollard (Leicester Tigers)
Started brightly, directing play with authority, but his second-half unravelled. A stray pass to Russell led to a decisive Bath try, and he missed a crucial kick at goal.
"Blew white hot and ice cold," summed up Planet Rugby.
Rating: 5/10 (Planet Rugby & Rugby Pass)
#4. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
The safest hands in England were tested—and cracked. Bath’s tactical kicking drew him out of position, and a few spilled catches followed.
"Not his imperious best under the high ball," said Rugby Pass.
Rating: 4/10
#5. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers)
Normally a menace at the ruck, Reffell struggled to assert himself and racked up penalties instead. Bath kept him largely out of the contest.
"Found himself on the wrong side of Dickson’s whistle… not Leicester’s afternoon at the breakdown."
Quiz! Can you name every club that has played in the Premiership?
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