Toby Booth goes back to Bath to sign ex-Wales U20s lock Rhys Davies

Bath have confirmed that second row Rhys Davies is leaving to join the Ospreys ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Davies has spent five seasons at the Rec since his arrival in the academy as a 16-year-old, going on to become one of many players to come through the system and make a senior debut.

His huge progress in the past twelve months has seen him go on to play in the Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup this season after making his debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup against Exeter in September 2019.

Bath boss Stuart Hooper said: “Rhys is a young man that we have invested a huge amount of time and energy into from the early stages of his young career through to the present season, where we have seen him really emerge and display some impressive performances. 

“The process we went through with him to consider his options was thorough, and we know it was a difficult decision for him to make.

“It’s rewarding and satisfying in a way to see one of our young men develop the way he has and to see him benefit from the programme that is available here to our best young players. 

“While we are disappointed he is leaving, we are confident that we can continue to develop young men through our pathway and have an exciting group of players to continue to work with moving forwards. We will wish Rhys all the best when he does leave us in the summer.” 

The switch to Swansea will see Davies link up with incoming Ospreys Toby Booth, the ex-Bath staff member who is attached to Harlequins this term.

Davies said: “I have grown up here both on and off the field, and I am really grateful for the way Bath have helped me as a player and a person. 

“I have been given every opportunity to develop and have been lucky to work with some great people who have got me fit, helped me overcome injuries and begin to understand what it takes to perform in the Premiership.

“I wasn’t expecting to get this offer from the Ospreys and had not considered leaving Bath.? It’s the toughest decision I have ever had to make and I really want to focus on finishing this season as strongly as possible and giving back to the club in every way I can.” 

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