HENRY ARUNDELL TO RETURN TO THE PREMIERSHIP AFTER SPELL IN FRANCE AND END INTERNATIONAL EXILE IN BOOST FOR ENGLAND
- Henry Arundell has not played rugby for England since the 2023 World Cup
- But, after leaving Racing for Bath, the 22-year-old will be available for selection
- The new signing adds to the West Country club's enviable list of star players
As England prepare for Le Crunch, one of the country’s most talented players currently unavailable to Steve Borthwick confirmed his return from France on Thursday.
Henry Arundell hasn’t played international rugby since the 2023 World Cup due to his club employment with Racing 92. But from next season, he will play for boyhood club Bath.
The 22-year-old’s move back to the Gallagher Premiership means he will become available again to national head coach Borthwick from the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
‘Joining Bath will be a very special occasion for both me and my family,’ said Arundell, who moved to Racing after the demise of his first team London Irish.
‘We’ve been Bath fans for generations and growing up, I spent many years in the stands supporting the team. Now, to potentially wear a Bath shirt is incredibly exciting.
‘The team is in a fantastic place right now. I’m confident we can create some amazing memories over the next few years.’
Bath boss Johann van Graan is busy establishing an all-star squad at The Rec and his first-choice back-line from next season has the potential to be full of internationals.
A Harlem Globetrotters-style three-quarter division of Santi Carreras, Joe Cokanasiga, Ollie Lawrence, Cameron Redpath, Arundell, Finn Russell and Ben Spencer will not only be the envy of Bath’s Premiership rivals, but also one of the strongest anywhere in Europe. Bath were beaten in last season’s Premiership final but are six points clear at the top this term.
Arundell, who can play wing and full-back, has signed a three-year deal. He has seven tries in 10 Tests to date, with that number set to grow in the future.
Bath head of rugby Van Graan said: ‘Henry has some world-class attributes, more specifically, his speed and try-scoring ability. Henry made it very clear when we spoke he wants to improve as a player and I believe Bath is the club to do that.’
Read more 2025-02-06T18:38:31Z