Tub may face a battle to maintain maintain of skipper Ben Spencer simply two months after he signed a brand new contract to remain at The Rec till 2028, following an enquiry from Racing 92 over a possible transfer to the High 14.
Racing, who’re dropping Nolann Le Garrec to La Rochelle when his contract runs out on the finish of the season, have already signed a alternative: former France U20 worldwide Léo Carbonneau from Pro D2 aspect Brive.
Carbonneau has spent the final two seasons taking part in within the French second tier and has made simply 11 Top 14 appearances since breaking by at Stade Amédée-Domenech in October 2022.
The Paris membership are additionally wanting to usher in a extra skilled choice and had been monitoring Bayonne’s veteran scrum-half Guillaume Rouet, but it surely seems they’re now eager to maneuver for Spencer.
Spencer, 32, gained the final of his 10 England caps within the Autumn Nations Series defeat to Australia final November and has been a central determine in big-spending Tub’s push to win a primary Premiership title since 1996.
A member of the England aspect crushed within the 2019 World Cup ultimate by South Africa, Spencer joined Bath on a three-year deal from Saracens lower than 12 months later and has since made 114 appearances for the West Nation membership.
Named within the Premiership Group of the Season for 2024 after serving to Tub attain their first ultimate in a decade, he additionally performed a key position of their victory over Edinburgh two weeks in the past to succeed in the Challenge Cup ultimate, as they chase a home and European double.
Racing – residence to Spencer’s former England teammate Owen Farrell – might but should look elsewhere, except one thing has dramatically modified relating to Spencer’s dedication since his contract renewal. His non-JIFF standing may be a stumbling block, in accordance with Midi Olympique.
