Elliott Stooke makes Bath Rugby return
Elliott Stooke also played for Gloucester between 2014 and 2016
©PA
Bath Rugby have announced that lock Elliott Stooke will make a return back to the Premiership club.
The 30-year-old previously played for Bath between 2016 and 2021 during which he went on to represent them in 120 matches. He made a switch to Wasps in 2021 and his contract was made redundant along with all other players and coaching staff when the club entered administration in October 2022.
Following his termination of contract with Wasps, Stooke had a short-term deal with Bristol and joined French club Montpellier in January making seven appearances for them scoring a solitary try.
“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," he told the club's official website.
“I’m familiar with some of the faces here, from both my days at the club the first time around but also from my time at Wasps. It’ll 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 Blue, Black and White hoops once again.”
Bath Head of Rugby Johann van Graan is excited about Stooke returning back to the club for the remainder of the season.
“Elliott will offer another option for us in our set-piece.
“Our line-out, maul and scrum are elements we’re consistently working on so to add Elliott’s experience to these will only be a positive for us.
“He is familiar face with the Bath Rugby supporters and I’m sure they’ll give him a warm welcome when they see him at The Rec.”
Bath are positioned second in the Gallagher Premiership table with four wins from six matches.
