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Stooke back in Premiership just days after Montpellier sack Cockerill
By Liam Heagney
The sudden exit of Richard Cockerill as Montpellier boss last Sunday has had a ripple effect in the Gallagher Premiership as Bath have announced the signing of Elliott Stooke until the end of the 2023/24 season.
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It was last season when the forward originally left England for France, making 10 appearances in their 2022/23 Top 14 and European campaigns before going on to become an ever-present in the short-lived Cockerill era.
Stooke started all seven league matches this term under Cockerill, including last Saturday’s loss at Perpignan which saw Montpellier fall to the bottom of the table and precipitate the Sunday upheaval that was owner Mohed Altrad parachuting in ex-France boss Bernard Laporte to take charge.
With Cockerill sacked, the 30-year-old Stooke has now resurfaced at Bath just three days later. A statement read: “Bath Rugby can confirm the signing of Elliott Stooke until the end of the season.
“Stooke, who is no stranger to Bath, left the club in 2021 to join Wasps and has since gone on to play in the Top 14 for Montpellier. Joining the club from France this week, the 6ft 6in lock will offer another option in the Bath pack.
Bath boss Johann van Graan said: “Elliott will offer another option for us in our set-piece. Our lineout, maul and scrum are elements we are consistently working on so to add Elliott’s experience to these will only be a positive for us.
“He is a familiar face with the Bath supporters and I’m sure they’ll give him a warm welcome when they see him at The Rec.”
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Stooke added: “It’s great to be back at Bath. Playing at The Rec is always such a memorable experience so to be able to come back to the club is an honour. I’m familiar with some of the faces here, from both my days at the club the first time around and also from my time at Wasps.
“It will be good to work with Lee (Blackett) again and to get to play with Alfie (Barbeary) too. It’s funny how things work out and I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to pull on the Bath jersey once again.”
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The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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