RugbyU: Experienced Banahan Moves To Gloucester From Bath

Former England international wing Matt Banahan will bring his 12-year association with Bath to an end in the close season and join English Premiership rivals Gloucester, it was announced on Wednesday

London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Jan, 2018 ) :Former England international wing Matt Banahan will bring his 12-year association with Bath to an end in the close season and join English Premiership rivals Gloucester, it was announced on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old, capped 16 times from 2009-11 in which he scored four tries, began life as a forward before being switched to the backs by then-Bath coach Brian Ashton and since becoming a proven tryscorer.

Banahan has made more than 250 appearances in all competitions for Bath since making his debut in 2006, scoring 56 tries in his 175 Premiership matches. "Matt has had a wonderful career at Bath and he will bring a huge amount of quality and experience to the young, exciting squad we are building in Gloucester," said Gloucester's director of rugby David Humphreys.

"His versatility and ability to play in a number of positions across the backline adds real depth to our squad and Matt's quality will complement the style of rugby Johan Ackermann has brought to the Club this season." Humphreys' Bath counterpart Todd Blackadder said Jersey-born Banahan had been a 'great servant' for the club and wished him well.

"We'll be really sad to see Matt leave at the end of the season, but we completely understand the decision he has made with his family and future in mind," said Blackadder.