On the move.

Bath have confirmed today that the club’s longest serving player Matt Banahan, will depart at the end of the current season, with Gloucester confirmed as his next destination.

Banahan operates mainly on the wing, but is able to play across the back three and in midfield, and has proved himself to be one of Aviva Premiership Rugby’s most potent attackers since making his debut at The Rec in 2006.

Banahan has racked up over 250 appearances to date for Bath Rugby, and has 11 caps for England. Commenting on the signing, Gluocester Director of Rugby David Humphreys says he is excited to add Banahan’s game to the Cherry and White backline.

“We are thrilled that Matt has decided to join Gloucester Rugby at the end of the season,” he said.

“Matt has had a wonderful career at Bath and he will bring a huge amount of quality and experience to the young, exciting squad we are building in Gloucester.

“His versatility and ability to play in a number of positions across the backline adds real depth to our squad and Matt’s quality will complement the style of rugby Johan Ackermann has brought to the Club this season.

“I know how tough a decision it was for Matt to leave Bath but we’re all looking forward to seeing him playing in Cherry and White next season.”

Todd Blackadder, Bath’s Director of Rugby, says it will be really sad to see him leave:

“We’ll be really sad to see Matt leave at the end of the season, but we completely understand the decision he has made with his family and future in mind.

“I’d like to thank him for all his efforts over the years – he’s been a fantastic servant for Bath. Everyone at the Club wishes him well with the next chapter of his career and will welcome him back to the Rec when the time comes. I’ve no doubt he’ll remain as committed as ever as we work to achieve our aims for the rest of the season.

“We’re working hard to ensure we get the right balance in the squad, taking into account the various complexities of building the squad we want long-term, and we will make further announcements on recruitment when appropriate.”