England star Lewis Moody signs for Bath

I’m off: flanker Lewis Moody has spent his career at Leicester but will join Bath next term

10 April 2012

Bath pulled off a coup today by persuading Leicester stalwart Lewis Moody to join them next season despite interest in him from France.

The England flanker has been linked with Racing Metro, Brive and Toulon but, in the week that Stade Francais' James Haskell has been at the centre of a club v country row, Moody has decided to stay on these shores.

Moody, 31, has won six Premiership titles and two European crowns during 14 years at Leicester and was lured to Bath after talks with head coach Steve Meehan and chief executive Nick Blofeld.

"I am really looking forward to an exciting new challenge at this stage of my career," said Moody, who has signed a three-year deal. "I have always known that if I was ever going to leave Leicester, the only club I would consider in the UK would be Bath.

"They play an exciting brand of rugby and having spent time with both Steve Meehan and Nick Blofeld I am sure that there are exciting years ahead."

Moody was part of England's 2003 World Cup triumph, has earned 59 caps for his country and played all three Tests for the Lions on the 2005 tour to New Zealand.

"Lewis is a proven winner and he brings vast experience, a fierce determination and great attitude with him," said Meehan. "Adapting to our style of play shouldn't be a problem and we expect him to help create more opportunities and momentum up front."

Leicester head coach Richard Cockerill paid tribute to Moody and said "We wish him well as he takes up a new challenge for next season. I'm sure he will be looking to go out on a high note and we look forward to his return to Leicester for the run-in to the end of this season after international duty at this season's Six Nations."

Without Moody, Leicester suffered a 19-3 defeat to arch rivals Northampton last week and they are anxious to get back on track against London Irish tomorrow.