Two forgotten talents of English rugby heading home? - reports

Two former Bath Rugby old boys are set to return to English rugby - according to reports from France.

Former England fullback prospect Nick Abendanon - who was back at The Rec last night, told media on Tuesday that he was being let go by Clermont after six seasons at the club.

Abendanon put out a come-get-me call, saying: "If a club is looking for an experienced back, they can call me.

"I have an optional year for next season, but the club told me they will not activate it."

Capped just twice by England in 2007, his release from the French giants opens up the possibility of a return to the Gallagher Premiership.

"I do not want to stop. I feel like I can still do a year or two," said the 33-year-old.

Former Bath backrow Carl Fearns is also reported to be potentially on his way back his native land.

Fearns, who was also never capped by England, is reported not to be expected to extend his fruitful stay at Lyon.

Now 30, the 6'3, 19 stone 4Ibs No.8 has been linked with a move to Northampton Saints, who Lyon played last month in Europe.

“If there is English interest then there will be a sit-down with the family to decide what’s best for them,” Fearns told The Telegraph last month.

The uncompromising forward made 73 appearances for Bath and is renowned for his physical style of play in both attack and defence.

Fearns had expressed a desire to represent France should he have been given the call-up. While his England ship has proverbially left the dock - Eddie Jones famously said he was too unfit to play international rugby - there is little doubt the blockbusting backrow could make a sizeable dent back in the Premiership, should he return.

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