Luke Watson Joins Bath

Moncti48

Springbok Luke Watson signs for Bath Rugby
14 June 2009, 8:14 am
By Tim Davies

Bath Rugby is delighted to announce the signing of South African International Luke Watson on a two year deal. Watson, who can play in all three back row positions, will join the Club after the Currie Cup season.
Watson, who led Western Province in their narrow loss to the Lions yesterday and will lead WP in the Absa Currie Cup competition in 2009 said," Playing in the Cape for WP and the Stormers has been and remains a privilege. We still have some unfinished business in this year's ABSA Currie Cup and I will be giving my all to help ensure a successful season for the team and the Newlands faithful."

"Joining Bath at the end of hopefully a successful Vodacom WP season, represents a new beginning and an opportunity to grow and experience the game in the top echelons of Northern Hemisphere rugby. Whilst obviously sad to be leaving Western Province, where I have enjoyed my time immensely, I am looking forward to the new challenge that this opportunity will bring."

Rob Wagner, MD of WP Rugby (Pty) Ltd said, "Luke always leads from the front and gives his all. Committed, passionate and a presence on the park he will be missed. We fully understand his reasons and wish him well in his new challenge at the end of our domestic season."

Bath Rugby head coach, Steve Meehan added, "Luke Watson is a very talented rugby player and an experienced leader who is yet to reach his peak. We are very happy to have him arriving at Bath, even though we may have to wait until November. We are certain he will have a huge impact.

Our discussions have been very straight forward and neither of us is in any doubt of the way Bath play their rugby and the responsibilities he will inherit."

Luke made his Currie Cup debut for EP at age 18, and has recorded a total of 61 caps at Provincial level (playing for EP, the Sharks and WP). He made his Super Rugby debut playing for the Sharks in 2003 and has a total of 81 Super Rugby caps. He joined Vodacom WP in 2005 and has captained the senior professional team (WP & Stormers) on 33 occasions. Luke earned his 50th Stormers cap against the Sharks in the 2009 Super 14 tournament. He first played for South Africa in 2007 and has 10 caps to date.

Luke Watson
Position : Back Row
Date of Birth : 26.10.1983 ; Port Elizabeth
Height : 1.86m
Weight : 100kg

Club : SK Walmers
WP Debut : 2005 vs. Cheetahs
WP Caps : 33
WP Points : 75 (15t)

Stormers Debut : 2005 vs. Sharks
Stormers Caps : 60
Stormers Points : 50 (10t)
Springbok Debut : 2007 vs. Samoa
Springbok Caps : 10

Other representative honours :
SA Schools: 2001
SA Under 19: 2002
SA Under 21: 2004
SA Sevens: 2002

RuggieBear

i suggest you edit the abuse out of your post. name calling and abuse of players is not tolerated on this forum.

Elbow83

my bad...

Stev_o

Good signing for Bath, Watson is a quality player and iv always been impressed at his skill set.

chupacabra

Yeah Watson is a really solid performer and a great leader in the pack also. The only reason he hasn't gotten more caps for SA is because of the unfortunate controversy surrounding him.

anonymous_joe

I wanted Leinster to sign him.

Spent the past couple of weeks trying to work out what quality flankers wouldn't be worried about missing out on a WC and would come to Leinster and he was pretty much the best I could think of. Bugger. :pac:

Clever signing by Bath, should replace Lipman easily I'd surmise, and won;t be unavailable for England games.

themont85

chupacabra wrote: »

Yeah Watson is a really solid performer and a great leader in the pack also. The only reason he hasn't gotten more caps for SA is because of the unfortunate controversy surrounding him.

Or because he's not good enough for Test standard.

Decent S14 player though.