Bath transfers | 4 Back-Rowers They Could Realistically Sign This Summer

Wednesday, 06 May 2020 at 16:46

bySteven Smith

Bath could be in the market for a back-rower for next season as Stuart Hooper continues to assemble a squad that could be viewed as title contenders.

It's already been confirmed that club legend Francois Louw will be retiring while Wales and Lions star Taulupe Faletau continues to be linked with an early exit.

Sam Underhill and Zach Mercer are also expected to play key roles for Eddie Jones with England, meaning the black, blue and whites could be left bare in the back-row.

Here's who Bath should look to sign this summer, COVID-19 depending...

1. Michael Hooper

The Wallabies captain is reportedly looking for a short-term loan move to the Gallagher Premiership, according to the Sydney Morning Herald report.

Due to ongoing pay cuts, Rugby Australia has agreed that a half-dozen of its top stars will be permitted to seek out six-month contracts overseas outside of the international Test window.

Considered one of the world’s best flankers, the 28-year-old would be a marquee signing for Bath. There will be plenty of competition for his signature.

2. Michael Rhodes

A tough-tackling, durable back-rower, Rhodes began his professional career with the Sharks in his hometown Durban before becoming a fan favourite at Saracens.

The 32-year-old is believed to be out of contract with Saracens in the summer and would be able to slip right in and settle immediately. Certainly, an option that should be explored.

DID YOU KNOW? Internationally, Rhodes faced the British & Irish Lions in 2009 and played for the Barbarians five years later.

3. Matt Kvesic

The England flanker has reportedly “agreed on a deal” to return to boyhood club Worcester, but if Bath could hijack the deal the 27-year-old would be the perfect replacement for Francois Louw.

Kvesic headed to Gloucester having emerged through the Worcester academy at Sixways, before moving to Sandy Park.

A move to Bath might just prove to be the next step his career needs.

4. Sergio Parisse

Another player who'd be a marquee addition. According to RUCK sources, the Italy legend could continue his professional career in 2020/21 after London Irish offered him a lucrative one-year contract.

Talks between the club and player are thought to be early but have been described as ‘positive’.

However, if Bath did lose Faletau this summer, they should go all out to sign the Italy legend.

Parisse left Stade Francais last summer, signing a one-year contract with three-time European champions Toulon.