Fergus Lee-Warner, a versatile forward for Bath Rugby, is set to play his final game for the club tonight, marking the end of his stint before he moves to the other side of the world to join the Australian Super Rugby Pacific team, the Waratahs, next month.
The 29-year-old player was brought to Bath by head of rugby Johann van Graan, following Worcester Warriors' financial turmoil last year. Van Graan was drawn to Lee-Warner’s abilities as a lock and backrow player, which he felt would enhance the team’s ball-carrying capabilities. Although Lee-Warner signed a contract extension until the end of the month, his departure is imminent, with his final game set to take place away at Sale Sharks, where he will start on the bench.
In an interview with SomersetLive, Lee-Warner disclosed his decision to return to Australia, stating, “I signed for the year [at Bath] after joining from Worcester and then the Waratahs reached out to me back in Aus. I was talking to Johann back and forth, but the way the market is over here with a couple of clubs going under, I thought it was just best to go back to Australia. I have signed for two years so it gives me a bit of security.”
Despite his impending departure, Lee-Warner expressed his fondness for Bath, praising the city’s beauty and the world-class facilities at the club. Reflecting on his time in the UK, he emphasized his enjoyment and the positive experiences he had, aiming to end his Bath tenure on a high note.
As Lee-Warner prepares to depart, Bath has already secured his replacement in former lock Elliot Stooke, who recently joined the club from Montpellier, reuniting with coaches from his time at Wasps.