DONE: Bristol Bears confirm the signing of Worcester Warriors star
Rugby NewsThursday, 06 October 2022 at 19:08
Versatile forward Joe Batley has re-joined Bristol Bears with immediate effect, the club can confirm.
The 26-year-old, who can play in the second row and back row, returns to Ashton Gate after leaving Worcester Warriors.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: "It's been a challenging time for Joe and his family, but we are pleased to be able to bring him back into a club and system he knows and enjoys.
“He's grown and developed massively during his time in Worcester, and I know he will add real value to our team going forward.”
EDITORS PICKS:
- Warren Gatland takes new role ahead of the Autumn Internationals
- Nigel Owens touching 12 word message to ‘close friend; Wayne Barnes
- DONE: Gloucester confirm the signing of 122kg forward
- RFU Statement: Worcester Warriors officially relegated
- George Ford shares adorable wedding images after England fly-half ties knot
Ollie Lawrence and five other Worcester players who’ve already found new clubs
Worcester Warriors players and staff are to have their contracts terminated, following part of the club being wound up in the High Court.
HMRC had been pursuing Worcester, who are suspended from all competitions, for unpaid tax of around £6m.
Six players have reportedly already found new clubs, however, many more are still left searching for new clubs.
#1. Ollie Lawrence to Bath
With a high number of injuries to ball carriers and players in key positions, England centre Lawrence has joined the Blue, Black and White as short term injury dispensation cover.
The 23-year-old has played for his country on seven occasions, scoring his first international try last summer against USA. He was also part of Worcester’s first ever top-flight trophy win in 2021/22.
#2. Duhan van der Merwe to Edinburgh
The Scottish club have announced the British & Irish Lions and Scotland star winger Duhan van der Merwe is coming back to the capital on a long-term deal, subject to visa, medical and regulatory clearances.
The 6ft 4in, 105kg strike-runner scored 32 tries in 67 appearances for Edinburgh after joining from Montpellier in 2017 – his scintillating form propelling him into the international spotlight after qualifying for Scotland on residency grounds.
#3. Ted Hill to Bath
A two-time England international with plenty of leadership experience, Hill is an all-action back row who can also play in the second row. He captained Worcester to Premiership Rugby Cup triumph last season and has featured 72 times in the Gallagher Premiership to date.
#4. Valeriy Morozov to Bath
In a short-term spell last term, loosehead prop Morozov made 13 appearances for Bath, providing great competition, and adding value in the front row with his excellent scrummaging.
#5. Fin Smith to Northampton Saints
The England U20 star is said to have completed a deal with Saints to secure his future. Sam Vesty is known to be a big admirer of his talent.
Fin Smith of Worcester Warriors during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Worcester Warriors and Bristol Bears at Sixways Stadium, Worcester on 18 February 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#6. Fergus Lee-Warner to Bath
Australian Lee-Warner headed for Sixways in the summer after competing for Western Force in Super Rugby AU. At 6ft 4, the 28-year-old is second row adept at playing in the back row and topped the statistical charts for tackles and offloads after Round 2.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Warren Gatland takes new role ahead of the Autumn Internationals
- Nigel Owens touching 12 word message to ‘close friend; Wayne Barnes
- DONE: Gloucester confirm the signing of 122kg forward
- RFU Statement: Worcester Warriors officially relegated
- George Ford shares adorable wedding images after England fly-half ties knot
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