REPORT: Bath Target Another Springbok Flyhalf

Bath Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper is continuing his search for a new flyhalf to lead the side with Springbok back Damian Willemse the latest to be linked with the West Country club.

According to reports The Rugby Paper, Stuart Hooper is keen to add Willemse to his flyhalf stocks which have thinned recently after the departure of England international fly-half Freddie Burns earlier this summer with Alex Davies also leaving the club.

Centre Josh Matavesi has since stepped in to fill in when Rhys Priestland, who has been in excellent form, has been rested but the Fijian is far more comfortable at centre.

Youngesters Tom de Glanville and Cameron Redpath can also both fill in at stand-off but the pair look desinted to play elsewhere in the backline with the former featuring at fullback since the resumption of the Premiership while the latter has been featuring in the centres.

As out and out flyhalves go, Hooper is short of options and the signing of Willemse would go a long way in easing those concerns while also providing versatility with his ability to play at inside centre and fullback. The 22-year-old is set to be in the running for the starting Springbok jersey with Handre Pollard sidelined for sometime having featured at fullback for the Springboks during the Rugby World Cup.

Willemse has starred for Western Province and the Stormers in recent season shifting between fullback and flyhalf before being trusted with the #10 jersey during the regular Super Rugby season this year.

The 6 test Springbok is not the first South African to be linked with a move to the Rec with Handre Pollard rumoured to be a long time target for Bath with the Springbok ace favouring a move to Montpellier after the World Cup and has until recently been linked with the side.

The likes of Johan Goosen and Curwin Bosch have also been linked with the club recently. Altough Priestland is currently in excellent form, he does turn 34 next year and the club will be looking for a new pivot. However, they could run into some competition for Willemse's signature with Jake White's Bulls reportedly keen to added the youngster to their ranks.