Bath turn to an ex-Ireland lock to cover for the injured Ewels

Bath have signed former Ireland international lock Quinn Roux for the 2022/23 season. The forward heads to the Gallagher Premiership club from Toulon, arriving as injury cover after Bath’s England second row forward Charlie Ewels underwent knee surgery.

Ewels could miss the whole campaign after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during preparations for England’s opening Test against Australia in Perth on July 2.

South Africa-born Roux, who qualified for Ireland on residency, won 16 caps between 2016 and 2020, with spells at Leinster and Connacht before joining Toulon last year where he made 14 appearances.

Prior to his Ireland move, the 31-year-old helped Western Province win the Vodacom Cup and also played Super Rugby for the Stormers.

“Quinn is a class lineout operator who offers great physicality to our options in the second row,” said new Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan after confirming that Roux had signed. “He is an established international with strong rugby experience, and we are delighted to have someone of his pedigree on board.”