Ben Spencer linked with Top 14 move just 10 weeks after signing contract extension at Bath

England scrum-half Ben Spencer has been linked with a move to the Top 14 just months after signing a long-term contract extension at Bath.

The 32-year-old, who made his first England start in November 2024, led Bath to the final of last year’s Gallagher Premiership.

Spencer’s club is currently top of the English league with two rounds of matches left in the 2024/25 regular season and while he has fallen back down the England pecking order and didn’t feature in the recent Six Nations following Alex Mitchell’s return to fitness, his services have been in a demand at club level.

It was March 5 when Bath announced that they had agreed terms to extend Spencer’s contract through to the summer of 2028. However, less than 10 weeks later, a report has now emerged in France claiming the scrum-half is a target of Racing 92.

A rugbyrama.fr article read: “With the departure of Nolann Le Garrec, Racing 92 is reportedly looking for a scrum-half to support youngsters Leo Carbonneau and Kleo Labarbe. Ben Spencer’s name is emerging.

“Racing 92 is in the midst of a transition at scrum-half. In a few weeks, Nolann Le Garrec will join La Rochelle, and Brive’s Leo Carbonneau will replace the international scrum-half in the Parisian squad. However, Racing’s management is looking for another number nine to support Carbonneau, Labarbe, and the versatile Antoine Gibert.

“He currently forms the best half-back partnership in the Premiership”

“After showing interest in the profile of Bayonne player Guillaume Rouet, the Hauts-de-Seine club’s management is now reportedly interested in England international Ben Spencer (32 years old, 8 caps).

“He currently forms, at Bath and alongside Finn Russell, the best half-back partnership in the Premiership. He is also expected to play in the Challenge Cup final against Lyon on May 23. But won’t his non-Jiff status ultimately put Racing off?”

This speculation is wildly at odds with Bath’s delight over Spencer agreeing his new deal just two months ago to stay on at The Rec for the foreseeable future. “Ben is not only a world-class player but the leader and captain of our team and a true family man,” said Johann van Graan, the Bath head of rugby, in March.

“He has that special game-winning ability that inspires others and brings out the best in the people around him.

“Time and again, Ben has demonstrated he can perform on the biggest stage and is such a huge part of what we are all working towards on our journey at the club.”

Spencer added at the time: “We have loved our time at Bath so far, as a family we have really settled here. We have a special group of players and staff and I believe we’re only just scratching the surface of what we can achieve. This team has grown hugely over the last couple of seasons and I am excited for what is to come.”

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