'Didn’t turn out the way I’d imagined': Anscombe hits career crossroad

Gareth Anscombe has admitted that his sole season in France “didn’t turn out the way I’d imagined” after it was confirmed he will leave Bayonne this summer, with the Wales fly-half now facing an uncertain next step in his career.

The 35-year-old joined the Top 14 club ahead of the 2025/26 season from Gloucester, but injuries and off-field turbulence limited his impact. Despite that, Anscombe insists he remains motivated to play for at least one more season.

In a recent column for Sportin Wales, the former Wales fly-half detailed a frustrating campaign that included a calf injury, a serious shin wound suffered against Toulouse and significant coaching upheaval at Bayonne as the club’s season unravelled.

While the rugby side of the move failed to meet expectations, Anscombe spoke fondly of life in the Basque Country in an Instagram post this week.

Now, after just one season in France, the former Ospreys, Cardiff and Chiefs playmaker is weighing up his future.

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“It’s strange how a season can leave you with mixed emotions,” the New Zealand-born fly-half said.

“When we made the move to France, it was with genuine excitement and big hopes for what was ahead. The reality is that, from a rugby perspective, it didn’t turn out the way I’d imagined. That’s hard to accept because I came here wanting to contribute, perform, and help create something special on the field.

“But sometimes the biggest takeaways aren’t the ones you expect.

“This experience has given my family and me so much to be grateful for. We’ve been lucky enough to meet some incredible people, build friendships that I know will last long after rugby, and experience a way of life that we’ll never forget.

“Bayonne, in particular, has left a lasting mark on us. The people, the passion, the culture, and the sense of community made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. It’s a place and a chapter of our lives that we’ll always look back on fondly.

“This season reminded me that not every story goes exactly to plan. The rugby side may not have been what I hoped for, but I’m leaving with some friendships and memories that will stay with us forever.

“As for what’s next, I still feel there’s more to give. I’m as motivated as ever to play one more season but after playing this game for so long I know you can never look too far ahead. So for now we will wait and see.”