Bath Rugby looks set to lose two more squad members this summer, as the team that clinched the treble under Johann van Graan continues to experience notable departures.
Neil le Roux, the 22-year-old South African scrum-half, is reported to be leaving Bath Rugby at the end of the season to rejoin his former team, the Bulls. Having joined Bath injured from the United Rugby Championship side, le Roux completed his rehabilitation at Farleigh House and signed a one-year contract extension earlier this year. He has made 15 appearances for Bath, including seven this season, but remains fourth choice behind club captain Ben Spencer, Tom Carr-Smith, Bernard van der Linde, and Wales U20 scrum half Ieuan Davies.
In the forward pack, Bath flanker Ethan Staddon, 23, is attracting interest from the Bristol Bears. A product of Bath’s academy, Staddon has featured in 37 senior matches. However, his pathway into the first team is blocked by a world-class pack with England internationals Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill leading the flankers, alongside Ted Hill and Miles Reid. Despite signing a one-year contract extension last February, Staddon is now reportedly in talks with Bristol ahead of the upcoming Premiership Rugby Cup fixture between the two teams at the Recreation Ground.
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Bath’s roster remains deep despite these potential exits. Le Roux’s departure would not prompt a scramble for reinforcements, as the club’s scrum-half options appear strong enough to shoulder the responsibility without additional signings, helping the club manage its salary cap constraints.
To date, Bath has already confirmed three other outgoing players for the season’s end: Thomas du Toit moving to the Sharks, François van Wyk heading to Connacht, and centre Will Butt signing with Exeter Chiefs. These moves signal a period of transition for the squad as Bath prepares for the challenges ahead.