Charlie Ewels has secured a temporary deal to play in South Africa

England lock Charlie Ewels is hoping that a temporary switch to the Currie Cup in South Africa can pave the way for his return to the Test arena in time for the upcoming Rugby World Cup. The second row has been out of the game since seriously injuring his knee when training for last year’s tour in Australia.

With Bath having just three regular season matches remaining, a campaign that will end at home to Saracens on May 6, Ewels has managed to secure a loan deal that will take him to Pretoria so that he can make his return to playing before the build-up to the World Cup in France.

A statement read: “Charlie Ewels has linked up with the Vodacom Bulls for the remainder of the 2023 Currie Cup and will return to Bath Rugby ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The 27-year-old injured his knee whilst on tour with England in Australia and has worked incredibly hard over the past nine months with the Bath medical team towards a return to fitness.

“As he continues to build his way back, Ewels heads to Pretoria for game time in a different competition and for a new experience. He remains committed to Bath and will prove a key part of Johann van Graan’s squad moving forwards.”

Ewels said: “It’s a really exciting opportunity to be experiencing a new country and different competition. I’m extremely grateful for the support I have received from everyone here at Bath whilst I have been injured, particularly the medical and S&C departments.

“I haven’t played any rugby since June 2022 so to be able to gain some minutes with an unbelievable franchise like the Bulls is going to be a fantastic experience. I want to soak up as much as I can whilst I’m in Pretoria before returning to Bath. It hasn’t been easy this season not being able to contribute on the field, but I genuinely believe there is an exciting journey ahead of us and I’m committed to being a part of that."

Bath boss van Grann added: “Charlie is an extremely professional and diligent member of our squad. His attitude to his rehabilitation has been exemplary and the next step of his journey is getting back to playing competitive rugby. We feel the Bulls environment will benefit his game and it will be like having a new signing when he returns to the club in the summer.”