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Ex-Bath lock Levi Douglas seals Pro D2 move after Japan stint
By Josh Raisey
Pro D2 outfit Biarritz have signed former Bath and Wasps lock Levi Douglas as a medical joker.
The 29-year-old will provide cover for Fiji back row Johnny Dyer, who faces a long spell on the sidelines with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The move for Douglas comes after a successful stint in Japan with Urayasu D-Rocks, where they earned promotion into Japan Rugby League One Division 1.
This will not be Douglas' first experience of France's second division as he had previously represented Grenoble, and has also played for Toulon in the Top 14. The 125kg forward's French connection stretches back to the beginning of his career, where he joined Bath from Oyonnax's academy in 2015.
He will team up with a Biarritz side that have won the opening two matches of their Pro D2 campaign. Should he be available for this weekend's match, he will be facing his former side Oyonnax.
"I am very happy to arrive here," Douglas said (translated by Google). "It is a club with a great history, I can't wait to start training and to be able to play with the team. Johnny's injury is a loss for the group and so I hope to start training quickly with the group, play matches and help the team as best I can.
"I plan to give my all and hope to get results with the team."
Biarritz director of rugby James Coughlan added: "We are extremely pleased to welcome Levi Douglas to Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque. After the unfortunate injury of Johnny Dyer, who is a key player in our squad, it was essential for us to take the time necessary to find a quality reinforcement capable of filling this void.
"Levi is an experienced second row, with an athletic profile and a strong ability to impose himself in combat. His experience and professionalism will be valuable assets for our team.
"We need stability and leadership in this area of the game, and we are confident that Levi will deliver. His rapid integration will be crucial for the team to continue to progress towards our goals. The club is ready to fully support him in this new adventure, and we look forward to seeing him in action on the pitch. Welcome Levi, and we wish Johnny a speedy recovery!"
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Latest Comments
Excellent year. I have enjoyed the Pumas with every match they played. They are truly one of the top tier nations and with more growth they will push hard for top 3 world ranking. They are just a bit up and down like the French team of old.
Go to commentsFunny that I read this after watching last night's game where Matera packed down at openside every signle time. Jaguares also used to play with OS/BS flankers when he was with them. Of course, if he's at 8 or not involved, Pumas could do it the French way and put, let's say, Kremer on the right and Golzalez on the left. You're correct about Matera's tenure at Crusaders where he was mainly used at blindside but also at #8 on occasion as far as I remember. He has the frame and skillset to play whichever back row position he's put at, much like Ardie or Jack Willis or Pocock.
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