"Clear out" - Four players have departed Bath this week with immediate effect
Rugby NewsWednesday, 12 April 2023 at 14:09
Bath Rugby has recently experienced a flurry of departures as four players have officially confirmed their immediate departure from the club, leaving behind the iconic black, blue, and white jersey.
#1. Lewis Boyce joins Ealing
Boyce has joined Championship side Ealing Trailfinders on a permanent deal.
The loosehead prop joined the Blue, Black and White in 2019 and debuted in a 36-28 victory over Worcester Warriors in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
Since his debut, he has been a key member of the front row, which aided Bath’s route to the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership play-offs.
In total, Boyce has made 52 appearances for the club and has been a much-loved member of the squad.
He joins up with Championship side Ealing Trailfinders, who currently sit top of the table.
The club would like to thank Lewis for everything he's given to Bath Rugby over the last four seasons.
#2. Michael Etete moves to Australia
Etete has left the club and is now pursuing an opportunity in Australia.
The 25-year-old debuted in the Premiership Rugby Cup this season in a West Country derby against Gloucester Rugby and made four appearances in total.
#3. Tom Ellis joins Sale Sharks
It ends the 28-year-old’s longstanding association with the Blue, Black and White having graduated into the Senior Academy in the 2013/14 season.
He debuted for his hometown team in the Champions Cup against Glasgow Warriors shortly after winning the Junior World Championship with England Under-20s.
The versatile forward was a consistent member of the Bath side which reached the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership play-offs and earned his 100th appearance for the club in the following season, amassing 127 outings in total.
Everyone at Bath Rugby would like to thank Tom for his efforts and professionalism over the past decade, and would like to wish him, Grace and Bella all the best for their future.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all those that have had an influence on my time at Bath Rugby over the past 13 years,” Ellis said.
“To have played just one game for the 1st XV of this historic club was my childhood dream. From pulling the shirt on for the Academy at age 15, to playing my 100th game for the club in 2021, I could not have dreamt of more.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with lots of brilliant coaches and staff, as well as having the honour to play alongside so many world class players. The friends I have made at this club are for life, of that I am sure.
“This club is heading in a genuinely exciting direction and I am extremely grateful to JvG and the club for allowing me to take the opportunity up at Sale at such short notice.
“A thank you should also go to Sale Sharks for the opportunity they have given me, for which I am extremely grateful. Myself, Grace and Bella cannot wait to get started and to meet the Sharks family.”
#4. Charlie Ewels to the Bulls
England and Bath lock Ewels has inked a brief contract with the Bulls, as he makes his comeback from injury and seeks to reclaim his spot in the Test squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
According to The Times, the 27-year-old will be looking to regain fitness down in South Africa before returning home in the summer.
Bath confirmed last June that Ewels has suffered an ACL injury whilst on international duty with England during their tour of Australia.
“Charlie has been for his operation, which went well, and he will be out for an extended period,” said Bath coach Johann van Graan the following month.
"He is in good spirits, and he sees it as an opportunity to work on other parts of his game as he goes through the rehab process. These types of knee injuries, my experience tells me it is too early to say in terms of length of time.
“Is there a chance (of playing this season)? Potentially, the back end of it, but I wouldn’t want to speculate on it now. It’s way too early.”
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