The Bath verdict on the France-bound Jonathan Joseph

Bath have finally acknowledged the departure of Jonathan Joseph 15 days after the ex-England midfielder was confirmed as a signing for the 2023/24 season by Biarritz, the French Pro D2 club. The 32-year-old, who played for his country off the bench in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final versus the Springboks, opted to try his luck overseas following a decade at The Rec.

Joseph’s signing on a two-year deal was announced on July 4, the same day that Biarritz also unveiled controversial prop Mohamed Haouas following the collapse of his new contract at Clermont and his axing from the France squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup after a court case in Montpellier.

Biarritz have since announced the arrivals of Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb, ex-Wasps winger Zach Kibirige and former Harlequins second row Charlie Matthews.

A Bath statement read: “Bath can officially confirm that after 10 seasons Jonathan Joseph has left the club to pursue a playing opportunity with Biarritz Olympique. Having spent his early professional years with London Irish, Joseph joined Bath in 2013 and made his debut against Newcastle Falcons early in the season.

“One of the club’s longest-standing players, Joseph has accumulated 176 appearances, scoring 41 tries along the way. Earning international honours with England, Joseph has 54 caps and he embarked on the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2017.

“After impressing at both club and international levels, Joseph was named the RPA players’ player of the year and England player of the year in 2015. Joseph started all five games of England’s 2016 Six Nations campaign, playing a key cog in their first Grand Slam win in over a decade.

“The international featured in the last two Rugby World Cup tournaments, earning six caps in 2019. He featured for England in their quarter-final and semi-final wins against Australia and New Zealand and was a runner-up in the final to South Africa."

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan said: “JJ has made an immense contribution to Bath. He has achieved a huge amount in both his club career and on a Test match level and will be considered a Bath Rugby legend for years to come.”

Joseph added: “My time at Bath has come to an end as I step away from the club to begin a new chapter of my professional career. I have many fond memories. Playing at The Rec in front of a sold-out crowd is not something every rugby player can say they have done.

“To have done it over and over again is just a testament to the Bath supporters’ loyalty as well as my coaches’ belief in me. I feel it is the right time for me in my career to pursue new opportunities and see what else is out there for me.”