#3. Francois van Wyk
Joining from Leicester Tigers, the South African will arrive at Farleigh House ready for 2024/25 pre-season training.
Standing at 6ft 2in and weighing in at almost 18 stone, the 32-year-old will bolster Johann van Graan’s options at loosehead.
Francois boasts more than 130 Premiership appearances from his four seasons with Northampton Saints (84) and three seasons with Leicester Tigers, where he has scored four tries this campaign and brought up his 50th appearance for the club.
Of joining the Blue, Black and White next season, van Wyk said:
“From when I first spoke to Johann, it was clear to me that I wanted to join the project at Bath. I have always enjoyed playing at The Rec and look forward to joining up with the squad for next season.”
The loosehead prop played junior rugby for Western Province in his home city of Cape Town, before going on to play for Cape Town University side Ikey Tigers, where he played a key role in their title-winning 2011 Varsity Cup campaign.
Van Wyk has also played in the Super Rugby league for Australian outfit Western Force.
On adding van Wyk to his pack, van Graan said: “Francois will add to the power of our pack. He’s an experienced front row and experienced front rows are very valuable. I have been very impressed by Francois as a human being, and he will fit in very well at Bath.”
#4. Kepu Tuipulotu
Tuipulotu is another to make the switch from the London Irish Academy to Bath Rugby. The powerful hooker and Harrow School pupil – who discovered his love for the sport at the age of 10 – has also represented and captained England U18s, making his international debut against France before going on to tour South Africa last summer with the national side.
Tuipulotu said: “I’m still young in terms of my rugby career so whether I am pulling on the shirt of Bath Rugby or that of a representative age-group, I want to be the best that I possibly can.
“In the player meeting, Johann [van Graan] talked to us about focusing day-by-day, trying to get better and that’s my passion. My aim is just to consistently train and play as best as I can and if I can do that then it will open new doors for me in the future.”