Bath sign back-row Guy Pepper ahead of 2024/25 season

Newcastle Falcons back-row Guy Pepper has agreed to a switch to Premiership rivals Bath Rugby ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Pepper came through the Newcastle Academy and made his senior debut with the club in 2021.

He has overall made 23 appearances for Newcastle including 16 games this season.

The 20-year-old was called up to England's training squad ahead of this year's Six Nations tournament and also featured for the England Under 20 side in the past.

"Guy is one of the most talented and exciting back rowers in the English game," said Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan to the club's official website.

"His hunger to improve and develop is evident and I believe he will be a big part of our team in the years to come."

Newcastle Falcons chairman of rugby Matt Thompson wished Pepper good luck on his stint with the Bath.

“We share our supporters’ disappointment at Guy’s decision to move on, but of course we wish him the best of luck down at Bath.

“He has done really well for us and we made him an excellent offer to commit to Newcastle Falcons, who have developed, supported him and given him a platform to make his senior breakthrough.

“Life goes on, though, and we are putting systems in place to ensure our best young talent will remain with the club for many years to come.”