Bath sign Cheetahs playmaker

David Skippers

Bath have announced the signing of South African playmaker Tian Schoeman, who joins the Premiership club from former PRO14 outfit the Cheetahs.

The fly-half will link up with the squad on Tuesday for training following a strict self-isolation process since arriving in England on Wednesday, January 6.

The 29-year-old joins the Blue, Black and White on an 18-month contract and will support Rhys Priestland, whilst also helping to develop younger players, in particular Orlando Bailey.

On securing the signing of the talented fly-half, Bath’s director of rugby, Stuart Hooper, said: “Tian brings a wealth of experience from his time in Super Rugby and also in the PRO14. Of all the options considered during our scouting and recruitment work, Tian showed to have the attributes both as a person and a player to be a success here in the UK with Bath.

“He has solid fundamentals with his kicking and tactical awareness but also the speed to challenge defences with the ball in hand.”

The South African joined the Cheetahs in 2018 ahead of the Currie Cup and 2018/19 PRO14 season. Schoeman had previously been playing for Bordeaux in the Top 14 during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Between 2013 and 2016 he represented the Blue Bulls in 29 matches and the Bulls in 35 Super Rugby matches.