Waiting game: Michael Claassens
Bath scrum-half Michael Claassens has signed a "pre-agreement" with Toulon, according to reports in France.
The South African scrum-half is out of contract at the end of the season but is yet to sign an extension with the West Country side which he joined back in 2007 from the Cheetahs.
Claassens' move however is dependent on the future of former England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson according to La Provence.
Wilkinson is yet to make a decision on whether he will retire at the end of the season, setting a February deadline on his announcement.
If Wilkinson does retire, then Claassens will link up with the French side with Frederic Michalak starting at fly-half instead of his current position at scrum-half alongside Wilkinson.
However if Wilkinson does decide to remain with Toulon for another season, then Claassens' move will be in jeopardy, raising the possibility of him staying at The Rec.
Comments
sirtidychris says...
Would be a massive loss, he has been instrumental in baths expansive style of play over the last 5 years and he is virtually never injured playing almost every bloomin game, he is getting older but still an awesome guy to have in the squad.
Posted 13:11 02nd January 2013
APV1 says...
I'd like him to stay for another season. He's a Claas act (d'ya see what I did there?!) and would be a good mentor for the next off the rank. But to have struck a "deal" like this is bizarre and I'm also not sure der management will accept it.
Posted 14:59 29th December 2012
1st58 says...
Very surprised by this - MC has been a great servant to Bath, but his best rugby days are certainly behind him - in fact it must be an area Bath are targetting to upgrade, as his No2, Macmillan is ordinary at best.
Posted 13:23 28th December 2012
melkdave says...
To be fair im not to suprised his going,its no secret that Bath are looking for a new scrumhalf ,to take over from him.So good luck if true you have been a good servant to Bath .
Posted 13:07 28th December 2012
BMakka8 says...
I cant see Johnny retiring yet. He has said that he wants a coaching role at Toulon, but I would expect that to be as a player/coach for at least 1-2 seasons.
Posted 12:00 28th December 2012
jamesliveinhope says...
I wonder what Bath's position is. The new culture under Gold seems to be one of no nonsense and I'm note sure the "will he, won't he" situation will be allowed.
Personally, fine player that he is (and servant that he has been), he is just the wrong side of thirty now and it may be time for the club to move on too.
Posted 11:28 28th December 2012