Bath statement: Two loan deals, including Lawrence, made permanent

The future of England midfielder Ollie Lawrence has been decided as he has signed a long-term deal with Bath, who have also signed his fellow Worcester colleague Fergus Lee-Warner for the remainder of the 2022/23 season in England.

Lawrence was one of four players who arrived at The Rec at the start of last week from the Warriors, but that loan arrangement was thrown into doubt after the company holding the Sixways club’s player contracts was wound up at an insolvency court last Wednesday.

It meant that Lawrence and co were all suddenly free agents and following his impressive debut in the narrow defeat to Gloucester last Saturday, van Grann feared the centre might not be at the club this week as it builds up to next Saturday’s game away at Saracens.

“I’m not going to discuss contract detail but it’s an incredibly unique situation coming to us on loan and two days later what happened to Worcester,” said van Graan about Lawrence last weekend. “We’re glad that the Worcester players are currently at Bath. I really hope he [Lawrence] will be here next week. Unfortunately, I can’t say any more than I sure hope he’ll be here next week.”

By Monday night, a deal had been struck to secure Lawrence at Bath for the long-term and to have Lee-Warner until the end of the campaign. Negotiations with Valeriy Morozov and Ted Hill - the two other Worcester loanees - were said to be still ongoing.

A statement read: “Ollie Lawrence has signed a long-term deal at Bath Rugby. The 23-year-old made a great impact on his debut against Gloucester on Saturday, making over 50 metres from twelve carries and beating six defenders. Lawrence has seven England caps to his name and scored his debut Test try against the USA in the summer of 2021.

“Since debuting in the Gallagher Premiership in 2018/19, he has become an established midfield threat in the league and helped Worcester Warriors win the Premiership Rugby Cup last season. He has also made a name for himself in Europe with seven tries in twelve matches.

“Fergus Lee-Warner has also committed to the club for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Australian forward, who can play back row or lock, topped the statistical charts for tackles and offloads after round two of this season’s Gallagher Premiership. The 28-year-old previously competed in Super Rugby AU for Western Force.

“The club can confirm talks with Valeriy Morozov and Ted Hill are ongoing with regard to their long-term future at the club.”

Head of rugby van Graan said: “Ollie made a big impression on me straight away. On Saturday he gave us good gainline and provided good defensive pressure too. He has lovely footwork, an excellent hand-off and a very good rugby IQ. I believe he will make a real difference to Bath Rugby in the years to come.

“Fergus is a great guy and has incredible energy. He is a very versatile player and we are pleased to have him for the rest of the season."