Flatman to move to Bath

By Jason Harris
April 20 2003

Saracens and England prop David Flatman's reported move to Bath has been confirmed in the Sunday press. The 22-year-old who has made over 100 appearacnes for the Men in Black joins the West Country outfit after the expiry of his Sarries contract, according to this weeks Sunday Times.

There were rumours that Flatman was going to leave Saracens as early as last autumn after a succession of injuries, some indisciplined performances and an alleged rift with Head Coach Wayne Shelford.

The speculation surrounding the move increased at the beginning of February when the Bath local press and the club's supporters began talking about it.

As Saracens continue to try and reduce their wage bill, there is news of a new signing from Welsh Cup finalists Newport arriving after the Rugby World Cup.

Fijian lock Simon Raiwalui has reportedly signed a deal with the Men in Black and with the Rodney Parade club's official web site publishing the news earlier this week, it seems certain that the former Sale man and current Newport captain will be the man to replace the retiring Abdelatif Benazzi in the Sarries boiler house.