Bath announce 10-strong list of leavers, including Lion and 'Bath legend' Bok

Bath have confirmed the departure of 10 players at the end of the season, six of whom are from the senior squad.

While clubs such as Exeter Chiefs, Harlequins and Sale Sharks have announced lengthy exit lists, Bath’s departures are headlined by a handful of high-profile names, most notably South Africa prop Thomas du Toit, England hopeful Alfie Barbeary, and Scotland and British & Irish Lions centre Chris Harris.

Du Toit leaves after three seasons at the Rec, returning to South Africa to join the Sharks, having made 72 appearances and collected a host of individual honours, including three consecutive forward of the season awards. Head of Rugby Johann van Graan labelled the Springbok winner a “Bath legend” after helping the club to a domestic title during his time in the West Country.

Scotland international Harris will return to his north-east roots with Newcastle Red Bulls after a single season at Bath, while England A star Alfie Barbeary will make the move to Saracens. Academy graduate Will Butt is Exeter-bound after making 76 appearances for his boyhood club, with winger Ethan Staddon joining Bristol Bears. South African prop Francois van Wyk will also head to Connacht after two seasons at Bath, with all six departures already confirmed.

Four academy products are also moving on as well. Fly-half Sam Harris will join Exeter Chiefs, lock Harvey Cuckson has signed for Scarlets, scrum-half Neil le Roux departed earlier this year to join the Bulls, and tighthead prop Mikey Summerfield leaves after four seasons in the club’s development pathway.

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Despite the departures, Bath will retain the vast majority of the squad that has established itself as one of England’s leading sides under van Graan.

“We wish them the very best for the next step,” said van Graan. “It’s been great having them as part of our circle.”