Ben Spencer swaps Saracens for Bath

David Skippers

Saracens have announced that long-serving scrum-half Ben Spencer will leave the club at the end of the month to join Premiership rivals Bath.

The 29-year-old made 173 appearances in nine seasons for the men in black. He has put pen to paper on a three-year deal and his arrival brings huge benefit to the Bath squad.

Spencer is well-known for his accurate kicking game and ability to provide quick ball from the breakdown. These skill-sets coupled his work ethic and desire to succeed have seen his performances in the Premiership and Europe stand out in recent seasons.

After impressing on trial, Spencer joined the Saracens academy in 2011 and made his senior debut against Wasps at Twickenham on the opening day of the 2011 Premiership season.

He was instrumental in helping the club bounce back from the disappointment of losing two finals in the 2013/14 season as he starred in the 2015 LV= Cup final.

Faced with a last-minute penalty with the clock in the red, Spencer showed great composure to nail his kick at Franklin’s Gardens in a 23-20 victory over Exeter Chiefs.

Involved in the success of three Premiership trophies and two Champions Cups between 2015 and 2018, Spencer faced healthy competition from Richard Wigglesworth and Neil de Kock.

But he got the chance to start in both the Premiership and Champions Cup finals at the business end of the 2018/19 season as Sarries secured a famous double.

And having made some incredible memories and friendships along the way, Spencer admits he will always cherish his time as a Saracen.

“I’m sad to be leaving a club that’s been my life for nine years,” said Spencer. “It’s very much a club I called home.

“A lot of people hear about the culture coming from outside but until you’re actually in the environment and witness it first hand.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the people and what they do to look after you and support you. Everyone is always willing to help.

“I’ll treasure the memories that I’ve made at this club for the rest of my life.

“I leave with incredible memories and great friendships and I have no doubt the club will come back strongly.”

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall added: “It has been very satisfying watching Ben’s progress during his time with our club.

“We thank him for his significant contribution and wish him and his family well in the future.”

Bath also announced that they have bolstered their forward stocks by signing Will Spencer from Leicester Tigers and Juan Schoeman from Super Rugby outfit the Sharks.

Spencer came through the Bath Rugby academy spending four years developing at the club. Since then the abrasive lock has played for Worcester Warriors before joining Leicester Tigers in 2018.

He is an imposing figure on the field and dominates primarily in the second-row. His physicality gives Bath yet another powerful option to complement its set piece and the 28-year-old is hungry to return to the South West.

Juan Schoeman is disciplined in the tough art of front-row combat having scrummed his way through and up the various age-group ranks in South Africa culminating in Junior Springbok selection for the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2011.

Schoeman is a reliable and skilful front-row operator and will add further dominance to Bath’s already formidable front five.

Bath Ben Spencer

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