BATH RUGBY HAVE moved swiftly to fill the void left by the departure of Sam Burgess with the signing of Scottish international David Denton.
The 25-year-old back-row moves to the Recreational Ground from Edinburgh, subject to a medical.
The Aviva Premiership club agreed to buy out the final six months of his contract, tabling an offer the Scottish Rugby Union were unable to match.
Denton made 78 appearances for Edinburgh following his arrival in 2010 and was one of Scotland’s standout performers in the recent World Cup, making four appearances.
“I’ve had an incredible six years at Edinburgh,” he said.
“It’s been the hardest decision I’ve ever made, as I am going to miss the club, but I am really looking forward to an opportunity to play at one of the premier clubs in Europe.”
Born in Zimbabwe, Denton played for Eastern Province in South Africa before moving to Scotland to study Economics at the University of Edinburgh as an 18-year-old.
He kicked off his Scottish career playing for Edinburgh Academicals’ 3rd XV before progressing through the ranks. He made his senior debut against Ulster in 2010 and made his international bow against Ireland in August 2011.
“We’ve been looking to bolster our back row for some time now so we’re very excited that David is joining us,” Bath Rugby Head Coach Mike Ford said.
“He had an excellent World Cup, especially in the quarter-final when he managed to outshine one of the best Australian back rows I’ve seen for a long time. He’s going to fit in very well with the team and the way we play here.”
Bath are in Pool 5 of the European Champions Cup alongside Leinster, Toulon and Wasps.
They begin their campaign against three-time European winners Toulon on Sunday before welcoming Leinster to the Rec on Saturday week.
