Bath Rugby club have announced the signing of Springbok and Stormers loose forward Luke Watson on a two-year contract starting after the end of the Currie Cup.

Watson said: "Playing in the Cape for Western Province and the Stormers has been and remains a privilege. We still have some unfinished business in this year's Currie Cup and I will be giving my all to help ensure a successful season for the team and the Newlands faithful.

"Joining Bath at the end of hopefully a successful Western Province season, represents a new beginning and an opportunity to grow and experience the game in the top echelons of Northern Hemisphere rugby. Whilst obviously sad to be leaving Western Province, where I have enjoyed my time immensely, I am looking forward to the new challenge that this opportunity will bring."

Rob Wagner, MD of Western Province Rugby (Pty) Ltd said, "Luke always leads from the front and gives his all. Committed, passionate and a presence on the park he will be missed. We fully understand his reasons and wish him well in his new challenge at the end of our domestic season."

Bath Rugby head coach, Steve Meehan added, "Luke Watson is a very talented rugby player and an experienced leader who is yet to reach his peak. We are very happy to have him arriving at Bath, even though we may have to wait until November. We are certain he will have a huge impact.

Our discussions have been very straight forward and neither of us is in any doubt of the way Bath play their rugby and the responsibilities he will inherit."

Watson made his Currie Cup debut for Eastern Province at age 18, and has recorded a total of 61 caps at Provincial level (playing for EP, the Sharks and Western Province). He made his Super Rugby debut playing for the Sharks in 2003 and has a total of 81 Super Rugby caps. He joined Western Province in 2005 and has captained the senior professional team (Western Province & Stormers) on 33 occasions. Luke earned his 50th Stormers cap against the Sharks in the 2009 Super 14 tournament. He first played for South Africa in 2007 and has 10 caps to date.

He incurred the wrath of many South Africans when he spoke about the revulsion that he experienced in wearing the Springbok jersey.

Watson was born in Port Elizabeth on 26 October 1983.

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