Bath Rugby centre Chris Harris, a former Scotland and British & Irish Lions international, may be set for a return to his former club, Newcastle Red Bulls, according to recent reports. Harris, who will celebrate his 35th birthday in December, currently plays for Bath on a one-year deal as injury cover for England’s Ollie Lawrence, after being released by Gloucester.
Lawrence’s swift recovery from an Achilles injury has left Bath with an abundance of talent in the centre position, featuring players like Max Ojomoh, Cam Redpath, Will Butt, and rising star Louie Hennessey, who earned a call-up for Wales in the Autumn internationals. Consequently, Harris has seen limited game time, making three appearances this season, including a starting role in Bath’s 49-19 win over Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate.
Looking ahead, Harris is planning to transition into coaching and had previously turned down a three-year contract at Worcester Warriors, which would have included a coaching role, in favor of his current playing opportunity at Bath.
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Despite being in the latter stages of his playing career, RugbyPass reports suggest that Newcastle is interested in bringing Harris back to Kingston Park. Harris, who played over 100 games for the club when it was known as the Falcons from 2014 to 2019, is celebrated as one of the Premiership’s finest defensive centres.
Harris’s extensive experience includes 46 caps for Scotland since his international debut against Samoa in 2017, proving he can still compete at the top level. Meanwhile, Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has recently taken on a consultancy role with Newcastle owners Red Bull alongside his national coaching duties, likely enhancing the Scottish influence at the northern English club.
Newcastle have further strengthened their centre options for the remainder of the 2025/26 season by securing Ulster’s Stewart Moore and former player Cameron Hutchison on loan. Hutchison, currently on loan from Edinburgh, had an earlier loan stint at Saracens during the season.