Bath sign 132kg Lions prop as replacement for Obano

Bath Rugby haved confirmed the signing of prop Jacques van Rooyen from Super Rugby outfit Lions.

Van Rooyen will effectively replace injured Beno Obano, who was controversially injured in an England training camp in May.

At 6'2 and 132kg he'll add considerable bulk to the Bath pack.

The South African, who has played over 60 times for the Lions since making his debut in 2014, will arrive in the West Country ahead of the 2018/19 season.

The experienced van Rooyen said: “I’m really looking forward to testing myself in the Northern Hemisphere and playing for a Club with a great deal of ambition going into the new season.

Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder, added: “We are really pleased to bring someone in of Jacques’ calibre in time for the new season. He’s proven himself in Super Rugby and will bring a great deal to the squad both at the set piece and with ball in hand.

“We have great strength in depth at loosehead with Jacques, Lucas (Noguera) and Nathan (Catt) all competing for the number one shirt after losing Beno (Obano) to injury in May. Jacques can also play at tighthead, which adds another option over the course of a busy season of domestic and European rugby.”