Henry Arundell’s Homecoming: A New Chapter Begins at Bath Rugby Club
Bath Rugby Club has made a significant move by signing talented England back Henry Arundell from French powerhouse Racing 92 on a three-year deal set to commence in the 2025-26 season. This exciting development marks a homecoming for the 22-year-old, who has not featured for England since the 2023 World Cup due to Rugby Football Union regulations barring English players based overseas from representing the national team.
Arundell, a versatile player capable of excelling on the wing or at full-back, boasts an impressive track record with 13 tries in 30 appearances for Racing 92, including a memorable hat-trick on his Top 14 debut against Toulon. The young star expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming chapter in his career, emphasizing the deep personal connection he holds with Bath.
Growing up in the area, Arundell’s roots run deep within the Bath rugby community, with generations of his family having been loyal supporters of the club. Reflecting on his childhood spent cheering on the team from the stands, he shared his excitement at the prospect of donning the iconic Bath rugby shirt and contributing to the team’s success.
“We’ve been Bath fans for generations – ever since my grandparents – and growing up I spent many years in the stands supporting the team,” Arundell shared. “Now, to potentially have the opportunity to wear a Bath rugby shirt is incredibly exciting. The team is in a fantastic place right now, with a brilliant culture, and I’m confident we can create some amazing memories over the next few years.”
With a return to the Premiership on the horizon, Arundell is poised to reignite his international career, having previously showcased his talent with seven tries for England, including a remarkable five-try performance on his World Cup debut against Chile in 2023. Bath’s Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, highlighted Arundell’s exceptional speed and try-scoring ability, underscoring the player’s commitment to growth and improvement.
“His willingness to learn, grow and become better fits in well with what we, as a group of players, coaches and staff are all working towards on our journey together,” van Graan remarked, emphasizing the alignment between Arundell’s aspirations and the club’s vision for success.
Arundell’s signing marks the second major acquisition for Bath in as many days, following the addition of Gloucester and Argentina full-back Santiago Carreras to their roster. The club has also secured promising talents in hooker Dan Frost from Exeter and scrum-half Bernard van der Linde from the Bulls, underscoring their commitment to building a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
In addition to new signings, Bath has successfully retained key players such as England centre Ollie Lawrence, prop Beno Obano, and second row Quinn Roux, ensuring continuity and stability within the team as they strive for success in the Premiership.
As Henry Arundell embarks on this exciting new chapter with Bath Rugby Club, his journey represents a blend of personal connection, professional growth, and a shared commitment to excellence. With his passion for the game and unwavering determination, Arundell is poised to make a significant impact on the field, bringing his unique skill set and dynamic playing style to the forefront of Bath’s campaign in the upcoming season.
