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Bath confirm 'imposing second row' signing after three-week trial
By Liam Heagney
Johann van Grann has made yet another signing ahead of his first Gallagher Premiership campaign in charge at Bath, announcing that recent trialist Michael Etete has done enough to earn himself a full-time contract after three weeks at the club.
Second row has become a major area of concern at Bath since skipper Charlie Ewels seriously injured his knee when recently touring Australia with England. Faced with the possibility of going the entire 2022/23 season minus the lock, van Graan announced the signing of ex-Ireland international Quinn Roux from Toulon on July 27.
That announcement has now been followed by the confirmation on the Bath website of another second row signing, the grassroots level Etete who has taken the universities pathway to make his breakthrough.
A Bath statement read: “Imposing second row Michael Etete has signed for Bath for the 2022/23 season. The 6ft 7in lock, who can also play in the back row, has impressed whilst on trial during pre-season.
“A strong ball carrier with an ability to get over the gain line, Etete has featured in National 1 for both Leeds Tykes and Rams RFC over the past couple of seasons as well as starring in BUCS Super Rugby with Leeds Beckett University RFC.
“He linked up with the Blue, Black and White on day one of pre-season for an initial three-week period and has earned his first opportunity at Gallagher Premiership level.” Van Graan added: “We have been really pleased with Michael’s attitude and application so far in pre-season. He has outstanding physical attributes and a strong desire to develop all facets of his game.”
Last week, following the recruitment of Roux as cover for the sidelined Ewels, van Grann said: “Quinn is a class lineout operator who offers great physicality to our options in the second row. He is an established international with strong rugby experience, and we are delighted to have someone of his pedigree on board.”
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Latest Comments
No just because the personal is much better than last year. I've shown no antagonism of Crusader players, you must be confusing me with someone else.
I have critized Razor for picking players he knows occasionally?
I said I'm not surprised because of his style, he's more a grinder player like Cane, not going to show up on peoples radar until you see how bad the other choices are. This year players like Clarke have been on fire and just show a bit more.
Are you one of those posters continually taking it easy on Razor because he doesn't have his Crusaders stars available? Do you think the rugby world is going to up to him suddenly once Mo'unga returns? lol
Go to commentsJohn you have been beating this drum for a couple of years, if you get proven right get back to us.
The last recent and decent Aussie coach was Ewen McKenzie, he was undermined and forced out by a couple of slimy Aussie players who were given a free pass when they should have been disciplined.
So our history since McQueen is very checkered and it seems to make little difference whether we have an Aussie coach or a Kiwi coach. The players have been entitled for a long time and we had to hit bottom to get them back into reality and to stop thinking it is all about them.
Cheika was an OK coach but his 'go our and destroy the opposition' tactic worked for a while and then didn't.
Please give me a list of great Aussie coaches that I have missed.
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