Bath Rugby have secured the re-signing of Will Stuart until 2028, as the British and Irish Lion looks to add to the 105 club caps he’s earned to date.
Stuart joined Bath in 2019, making his debut against Worcester Warriors, and has since won 53 England caps. In the summer of 2025, the 29-year-old became a British and Irish Lion, helping the tourists to a 2-1 series victory over the Wallabies.
On re-signing at Bath, Stuart said: “I can’t really put into words the contrast from the 2021/22 season. Losing at Sixways in the last game of the season and confirming our place at the bottom of the table, to last summer and the elation of turning the bus into Great Pulteney Street and seeing the roads swarming with fans.
“Pride doesn’t really do it justice. So, in light of that, who wouldn’t want to give it another crack?”
Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, added: “It’s been amazing to have been on this journey for the last three and a half years with Stuey. He came into his own in 2025, shining for England and being a Lion.
“But most importantly, being a rock for us at Bath. We are looking forward to Stuey being one of the cornerstones of not only our pack but our whole team.”
Mike Prendergast to rejoin Van Graan?
There has also been a rumour circulating from RugbyPass that the Bath boss may look to secure the services of his former colleague Mike Prendergast from Munster, as he seeks to replace Lee Blackett, who departed for England in September 2025.
The 48-year-old coach has confirmed that he will leave Munster at the end of the current season, and could be tempted by a return to the English West Country after a stint with Gloucester during his playing days.
Speaking ahead of his exit, Prendergast said: “My family and I have absolutely loved our time back home since we returned to Munster in 2022. To coach the team I represented as a player has been an incredible honour and this has been a very difficult decision.
“I’ve been in lots of different environments coaching and playing over the years but Munster will always hold a special place in my heart and it has been a really enjoyable four years.
“Working with the players and coaches has been an absolute pleasure but I believe now is the right time for a new challenge.”
Munster Rugby General Manager Ian Costello said: “While we are disappointed that Mike has decided to depart Munster Rugby, we fully respect his decision and are incredibly grateful for the contribution he has made over the past four seasons.
“Both Mike’s coaching and his character have had a profound impact on our environment, and he played a key role in some of our most memorable moments in recent years, including our URC title win.
“Mike will always be a proud, passionate Munster man and he leaves with the utmost respect and admiration of all the players and staff. We wish Mike and his family every success and happiness in their next chapter.”
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Luke McGrath to Perpignan?
Leinster scrum half Luke McGrath is reported to have signed a contract with Perpignan by Midi Olympique, as he looks to regain first-team action after a career spent in the Irish capital.
The Canadian-born star has over 250 caps for the provincial side, and 20 caps for Ireland, but has found himself playing second fiddle to the world-class Jamison Gibson-Park throughout much of his career – particularly in recent years.
Despite battling relegation, Perpignan have been majorly busy in the transfer market this winter, confirming multiple signings ahead of the new season, including All Blacks stars Sevu Reece and Braydon Ennor.
Ben Healy to La Rochelle?
Ronan O’Gara has reportedly succeeded in bringing former Munster number 10 Ben Healy to the Top 14 for next season. after being unseated at Edinburgh by Ross Thompson from Glasgow Warriors, as well as the emergence of Academy talent Cammy Scott.
Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt confirmed on Tuesday: “Ben Healy’s contract is up at the end of the season. We also told Ben that his contract wasn’t going to be renewed. Obviously there will be interest in a guy like that with the skill set that he has.”
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He then added: “If it is La Rochelle, that’s fantastic. It’s a great club, and I’m sure that he would have a bond with Ronan O’Gara, who is an ex-Munster man, and that’s where Ben played. We wish Ben all the best in his pursuit for his next career.
“I think Ben had a great season in his first year. He went to the World Cup and struggled with a bit of niggles and injuries, and that happens in sport. He wasn’t able to find the same form that he had in his first year.”
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