Bath Rugby looks set to say goodbye to two more players this summer, as Johann van Graan’s successful squad continues to experience departures amid growing competition.
South African scrum-half Neil le Roux, 22, is reportedly preparing to leave Bath at the end of the season. The young half-back is expected to return to his former club, the Bulls, where he previously played before joining Bath in 2024. Despite overcoming injury and making 15 appearances—including seven this season—Le Roux remains fourth choice behind club captain Ben Spencer, his deputy Tom Carr-Smith, and Bernard van der Linde, who has recently returned to fitness.
In the forward pack, Bath Academy graduate and 23-year-old flanker Ethan Staddon is attracting attention from Bristol Bears. Having played 37 senior matches for Bath, Staddon faces limited opportunities to break into the first team. Established internationals Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill lead the flank positions, with Ted Hill and Miles Reid also ahead in the selection order. After signing a one-year contract extension last February, Staddon is now reportedly in talks about a potential move to Bristol, Bath’s local rivals, ahead of their upcoming PREM Rugby Cup clash at the Recreation Ground.
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Bath Rugby’s depth in these positions lessens the urgency to recruit replacements, particularly as the club manages Johann van Graan’s tight salary cap. This summer, Bath has already confirmed the departures of Thomas du Toit to the Sharks, François van Wyk to Connacht, and centre Will Butt to Exeter Chiefs.
With a squad in transition, Bath faces the challenge of maintaining its competitive edge amid significant player movement, but remains confident in the quality and depth of its ranks.