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Dave Attwood spurns Toulon in favour of return home
By Online Editors
Dave Attwood becomes the second Englishman this week to spurn Toulon in favour of a return to the English Premiership.
As with Chris Ashton, Attwood has rejected the a potential deal with the French giants, instead favouring a return to Bath, who confirmed the signing this lunchtime.
The second rower spent the last four months of the season on loan to French side Toulon, where he impressed during his nine appearances for the three-time European Champions. The 31-year-old, who has made 136 appearances for Bath Rugby will return for pre-season training in what will be his seventh season in the Blue, Black and White.
Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Dave back for pre-season training. He is a huge asset to the squad, and we’re really excited to have him back with us ready for the new season.
“There were discussions with Toulon, but we always wanted to bring him back to Bath. He showed during his short stint there his qualities as a player, but we also know what leadership qualities he brings on and off the field too.
“Supporters know that at his best there aren’t many better players in his position, and his return will be almost like a new signing for us. With the likes of Dave, Roko (Semesa Rokoduguni), Sam Underhill, Francois Louw all fit and raring to go, we go into the campaign in a great position.”
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Latest Comments
It could just be they got their international shot, and developed when they did, sure.
But Brad shields was soft as butter before he left, that’s why he was never going to get more than a few injury replacement caps for the ABs.
Much, much better player for his time up north.
Go to commentsI think Leinster had a plan to win both matches.
The defensive pressure was impressive and it made things hard for sharks with the greasy ball. That’s not an academy team though, a lot of those guys have two SA tours under their belt and a load of Leinster caps. There were a few new caps but so few as to not effect the system. Gunne was a first start but he has had a good few appearances and is a talent in play and attitide.
Sharks reaction to some early errors seemed to shout “Here we go again”.
As good as Leinster played and as hard as they made it, I assumed that Sharks would have the quality to find a way. Leinster slowed the rucks just enough to cause Sharks some issues and overruns etc.
The great Eben Etzebeth was missing and he is clearly great in motivating and driving a team as well as in play. Some thing more than Etzebeth missing. The Leinster players not playing today will be cheering and sucking energy from that performance as much as if they were there. That’s the spirit in the club. Anyone can see how bonded and loyal Snyman, Barrett and Slimani are in a small period of time. I think Leinster have a special setup up there, but Sharks are definately below average in belief, confidence and spirit based on Saturday.
Obviously a straight forward kick for a draw was available at the end but I don’t think that would have been acceptable and Sharks must go for the win at home.
Note: Zebo said in coverage that if Erasmus has the reigns with Sharks they would be no1 in URC and Champions Cup ‘By a distance’. I don’t agree with that ofcourse but in between sucking up to Erasmus he is clearly pinpointing what he believes is a coaching issue.
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