Bath Rugby have confirmed that powerful second-row Elliott Stooke will depart the club at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Stooke returned to the Blue, Black and White last November, having previously played for the club before departing in 2021 to join Wasps. He later had stints with Bristol Bears and Montpellier following Wasps’ dissolution. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, the lock featured in 14 matches for Bath during the 2023/24 season, including as a substitute in this year’s Premiership final loss against Northampton Saints.
Reflecting on his time at Bath, Stooke commented, “I had a wonderful experience here. It’s disappointing we couldn’t secure the victory, but I have confidence in Johann and the team’s direction, and I believe this squad is on the brink of achieving silverware.”
Bath’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, praised Elliott Stooke as a tremendous team player, highlighting his impactful return to Bath both on and off the field this season. Van Graan expressed best wishes for Stooke’s future, emphasizing that Stooke’s peak performances are still ahead of him.
To fill the gap left by Stooke, Bath will welcome lock Ross Molony from Leinster this summer. Additionally, South African Jacques du Plessis joined from the Blue Bulls midway through last season under van Graan’s direction.
At 30 years old, Stooke remains a versatile and experienced player in the Gallagher Premiership, capable of playing both in the lock position and on the blindside. His next destination in club rugby has yet to be finalized.
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