Bath Rugby is nearing the final stages of finalising a new contract with 20-year-old rising tighthead prop Vilikesa Sela, a key prospect from their academy, according to the latest reports.
Sela is expected to emerge as a regular first-team player by the 2026/27 season. This comes amid the confirmed departure of Springbok tighthead Thomas du Toit, who will leave Bath at the end of the current campaign to rejoin The Sharks in South Africa.
Despite boasting established internationals like British and Irish Lions star Will Stuart and Wales international Archie Griffin, Bath Rugby’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, places great emphasis on maintaining strong depth in the front row. Sela’s rapid progression within the squad highlights his growing importance at the Recreation Ground.
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On Monday, the 6ft 4in frontrower joined three other Bath players—Kepu Tuipulotu, Max Ojomoh, and Ewan Richards—in the 30-man England A squad preparing to face an All Blacks XV this Saturday at the Rec, before traveling to play Spain. This selection underscores Bath’s rich pipeline of emerging talent.
According to RugbyPass, Bath’s recruitment and retention strategy, led by Rob Burgess, is focused on securing contracts for a host of academy-developed players before the end of the Autumn internationals, protecting them from interest by rival clubs eager to recruit burgeoning stars.
With Bath operating near the salary cap this season, the club acknowledges that some senior players will inevitably depart after the campaign, increasing the significance of upcoming players like Sela who are positioned to step up and secure the club’s competitive future.
Sela has cemented his reputation through 15 appearances with England U20s and signed for Bath’s Senior Academy in 2023 after an impressive stint with the U18s the previous year. He has made 10 senior appearances for Bath, contributing to their Premiership Rugby Cup victory last season, and started three times this campaign, featuring in wins over Harlequins and Sale Sharks.
Most recently, on Friday night, Sela showcased his athleticism by scoring a try in Bath’s commanding 49-19 Premiership Rugby Cup victory away at Bristol Bears, signaling his ongoing development and value to the team.