bath rugby
BATH RUGBY SIGN DANNY CIPRIANI
Bath Rugby has announced the signing of fly-half Danny Cipriani, who will arrive in time for the conclusion of the 2020/2021 season. Cipriani has signed on an extended one year deal
Cipriani will join Tian Schoeman as an experienced fly-half who will support Bath’s developing players to evolve their game. Cipriani and Schoeman give Hooper experienced options at fly-half, providing a significant opportunity for Bailey to further accelerate his development with their stewardship, following his recent appearances in the first team.
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he 16-cap England international will join at the beginning of May, following a rigorous recruitment process to strengthen the club’s options at fly-half, with Rhys Priestland off to Cardiff Blues at the end of the season. The 33-year-old is credited for his unique vision as well as his natural creativity and impressive attacking skillset, contributing to a semi-final place for Gloucester in 2018/19 and the Rugby Players’ Association Players’ Player of the Year 2019. Highly attack minded, Cipriani’s ability to predict the passage of play, create space and control the game is a key component of the fly-half’s unique attributes. His expertise in game understanding, combined with an exciting commitment to seizing opportunities, has often resulted in match-winning moments across his career. On joining the Blue, Black and White, Cipriani said: “I’ve been really
“Cipriani and Schoeman give Hooper experienced options at fly-half” 60 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
focused over the past three months on improving my running efficiency and kicking, while looking for a club that matches my ambition. After speaking with Stuart and Neal, it was clear Bath offered that opportunity. “We talked about what I could bring to the club and what Bath were looking for; someone who could be part of an attacking mindset, who could help unlock that aspect of the game and inject additional pace and vision - complementing the quality in the team. “The club has a clear ambition and drive that aligns with my own; they want to achieve something special as a team, they want to win. That was a very appealing vision for me.”
Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper said: “Danny’s abilities are evident; his game understanding and management are exceptional as is his skill set. He has a real eye for detail around the attacking shape, I’m confident that he will bring an exciting dimension to our game. “We have made no secret of our recruitment in this key position. Our process has been thorough and diligent and we are now excited to be able to announce the recruitment of Danny. I have no doubt he will become a valued member of our playing group and an ambassador to the younger players coming through the pathway just as Rhys has so well over the seasons.” • bathrugby.com
2020/2021 FIXTURES All Gallager Premiership fixtures will be shown live on BT Sport until full crowds are allowed to return. TV 18 April 15:00 H Leicester Tigers GP TV 25 April 15:00 A Wasps GP TV 7 - 9 May TBC H Bristol Bears GP TV 14 - 16 May TBC H Sale Sharks GP TV 28 - 30 May TBC A Harlequins GP
