Popular departing Bath Rugby Second-row has found a new home

Second-row Elliott Stooke has confirmed he will be playing in Japan next season, following the announcement by Bath Rugby last month that he had left the club at the end of his one-season deal.

Stooke re-joined the Blue, Black and White last November, having previously played for the club before departing in 2021 to sign with Wasps, and later playing for Bristol Bears and Montpellier after Wasps’ collapse. The 6’6″ lock made 14 appearances for Bath during the 2023/24 season, including coming on as a replacement in this year’s Premiership final defeat against Northampton Saints.

Stooke had been linked with a return to his former club Gloucester Rugby, but on Thursday, the 30-year-old confirmed that he has joined Japanese Top League side NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes for the 2024/25 season.

Speaking to the club’s website, he said, “I am honored to become a member of the Red Hurricanes Osaka. The team’s spirit and the support of the fans are truly inspiring. I am really excited to embrace this new challenge, learn from my teammates, and work hard to achieve great things together.”

Stooke was announced as the Red Hurricanes’ new overseas signing, along with Munster number eight Jack O’Sullivan and Samoan international center Henry Taefu, who is moving from Super Rugby side Moana Pasifika.

The Red Hurricanes finished fourth in the second division of the Japanese Top League last season.

 

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