James Wilson is not getting a new contract at Bath

Utility back James Wilson is not getting a new contract at Bath Rugby, despite early indications that he would be remaining at the club for the following season.

Wilson said ‘goodbye’ to the club on social media after he was informed that an agreement with the club and player to continue into next season would in fact not be going ahead.

Wilson originally joined on a three month long back in October of last year, but soon became a crowd favourite at the Rec, going on to make 13 appearances.

Wilson posted a cryptic picture on Instagram which featured rapper ‘Drake’ and a door with ‘Goodbye Bath’ written on it.

Thank you Bath 😘😘😘 https://t.co/dY7oQJ4yCo

— James Wilson (@_JamesWilson_) June 29, 2018

Somerset Live are reporting that the reason behind the decision was due to the ‘circumstances’ beyond the control of the club’ and that the reason is a lack of funds.

Some have linked the news that Dave Attwood would be seeing out his contract at Bath and not Toulon as being behind the decision is financial ie that they can’t fit Wilson under their salary cap.

The 6’7, 122kg second rower spent the last four months of the season on loan to French side Toulon, where he impressed during his nine appearances for the three-time European Champions.

The 31-year-old Attwood, who has made 136 appearances for Bath Rugby will return for pre-season training in what will be his seventh season in the Blue, Black and White.

Wilson – at 34-years-old – is now left needing a club.

The experienced and versatile New Zealander had made 95 appearances during a five-year spell with Northampton Saints, which coincided with the Club winning its first Aviva Premiership title in 2013-14.

The utility back, who is comfortable playing across the back line, has also played for Highlanders and Chiefs in Super Rugby.