Bath Rugby are reportedly close to securing the signature of promising young Argentine front-rower Marcos Camerlinckx. The 22-year-old, who has represented Argentina at U20 level playing both hooker and tighthead prop, is said to have travelled to Bath in the final stages of negotiations for a deal with the Gallagher Premiership club.
Weighing just over 20 stones, Camerlinckx played a key role in Pampas XV’s Super Rugby Americas championship triumph last season. More recently, he was selected at tighthead prop for the Argentina XV side that narrowly lost 25-24 to the United States in Fort Lauderdale, with Camerlinckx featuring for 48 minutes.
Although Bath lost Springbok tighthead Thomas du Toit at the end of last season, head of rugby Johann van Graan still oversees a strong squad competing for places in the number three jersey. England international Will Stuart has returned to full training following an Achilles injury sustained last December, while Wales international Archie Griffin, 25, is seeking additional game time. Alongside them, rising talent Billy Sela and experienced Kieran Verden, who recently started at tighthead in a pre-season friendly at Perpignan, add further competition for selection.
The pursuit of Camerlinckx, as reported in Argentina, appears to be a strategic investment focused on long-term potential rather than immediate necessity. Having developed his skills at amateur club Regatas Bella Vista, Camerlinckx is also the son of Paulo Camerlinckx, a former Argentina international number eight who earned 32 caps in the 1990s.
Ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, Bath’s recruitment has been relatively modest with only three senior signings confirmed: former Springbok number eight Dan du Preez from Sale Sharks, Scotland international loosehead prop Jamie Bhatti from Glasgow Warriors, and young fly-half Will Roue, who has graduated to full-time professional status after previously playing as a student at the University of Bath.