Former Stormers lock Quinn Roux will extend his stay with English champions Bath for another season.
Rugby Union – Premiership – Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks – The Recreation Ground, Bath, Britain – March 24, 2024 Bath Rugby’s Quinn Roux celebrates after the match Action Images/Andrew Boyers
The 35-year-old has become a key figure in Bath’s engine room, particularly during a second-row injury crisis this season, and his renewal follows new deals for Tom de Glanville and Tom Carr-Smith.
Roux, who has earned 16 Test caps for Ireland, joined Bath ahead of the 2022-23 campaign and has since chalked up 63 appearances in blue, black and white. He was also part of the club’s triple trophy-winning 2024-25 season.
A seasoned campaigner with experience in Super Rugby, the Vodacom URC, the Top 14 and the Premiership, Roux has provided steel and leadership alongside fellow locks Charlie Ewels and Ross Molony at The Rec.
Committing to another year, Roux said: “The last few years with this club have been some of the most enjoyable years of my career. I’m not ready to end it just yet.”
Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan welcomed the extension.
“One of the quieter men of the team, allowing his rugby to do the talking on the field, he has developed into a very important player on and off the pitch for our club.
“We are very glad that Quinn and his family will be continuing his journey at Bath.”
Discipline also slipped, while injuries have compounded the problem.
“When we got to the local derbies, we got blown out the water,” said Dobson. “We gave away 19 penalties in Durban.”
On the injuries, he added: “We got cleaned out in the backs from the start. If you take Dan du Plessis, Ruhan Nel, Seabelo Senatla and Suleiman Hartzenberg who were not available. Then in the pack Salman Moerat went, Ruben van Heerden went and Ruan Ackermann … it was across the board and it’s not an excuse. I think we weren’t prepared to adapt without them.”
Dayimani’s return will ease the load in the back row, where Dobson admits the remaining options have been stretched.
“BJ Dixon can move into lock. Evan Roos, Paul de Villiers and BJ have been overplayed.”
The Stormers are next in action against the Lions at Ellis Park on 28 February.
