Bath reveal list of players leaving at the end of the season

The players were confirmed to be joining other clubs throughout the year with the players now adding some of their own words about their time in Blue, Black and White.

THOMAS DU TOIT

Du Toit will join The Sharks for 2026/27, returning home to his native country of South Africa after three tremendous seasons in Blue, Black and White.

Thomas made his debut against Northampton Saints in September 2023, going on to earn an outstanding 72 caps so far across his three years of Bath service.

Of his time at Bath, du Toit said: “To my incredible rugby family, thank you for an unforgettable journey as my time with this club comes to a close at the end of this season.

“Standing on the pitch with this group of players has genuinely been the best three years of my rugby career. 

“From the gruelling training sessions to the hard-fought victories, every single moment has shaped me into a better player and person.

“A massive, heartfelt thank you goes to my wife, Elaine du Toit, and my family, whose unwavering support and endless sacrifices allowed me to give my all to this sport.

“I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to our special supporters, whose unmatched energy and dedication lifted us up every single weekend. While I might be moving on to my next chapter, the deep bonds and memories we created here will stay with me forever.

“Thank you all for the laughs, the bruises, and a lifetime of unforgettable moments. Come on you Bath!”

Thomas has become a fan favourite across his three years at the club, picking up various awards along the way.

Most recently, Thomas took home three trophies at the club’s end of season ceremony, including Forward of the Season for a third year running, Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season. 

About Thomas’s contribution, Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, said: “Thomas arrived at the club as a Springbok, a player wanting to be part of a special story whilst improving his game.

“He is leaving as a Bath legend, a treble winner, one of the world’s best players, and the most important of all, one of the very best team men I have ever come across in the game of rugby.

“The 80 minutes he played in the Gallagher PREM final against Northampton Saints, the two tries he scored in the two PREM finals and the selfless act of putting the team first against Edinburgh is just some of the moments we will remember!

“Thomas, we believe that the best is yet to come for you as both a player and a family man. Thank you for all the amazing memories!”

WILL BUTT

Will Butt is also among the list of players departing, heading to Exeter Chiefs to remain in the PREM.

Butty is product of the Bath Rugby Academy, demonstrating just how well the player pathway works in developing young talent into senior figures.

He made his debut in 2019 against Gloucester and has gone on to make 76 appearances in Blue, Black and White.

Of his time with Bath, Butty said: “I feel very lucky to have been at this club for the last eight years. Playing for Bath was a dream of mine as a boy and to have fulfilled it is something I’m very proud of and grateful for. 

“The people are what’s made it so special and I’m so thankful to all of them for making Bath the club that it is and for allowing me to be a part of it.

“The time is right for me to move on, but Bath will always be special to me. I know I leave a better person for having been here, and I take with me memories and friendships that will last forever.”

This season has seen Butty step into a captaincy role for Bath, leading the team out for the 2025/26 PREM Rugby Cup campaign, in which Bath reached the semi-finals, demonstrating his leadership and positive influence over younger members of the squad.

Growing from a boy to a man to a father whilst with the club, Butty also welcomed his first child earlier this year.

Speaking about Butty, Johann said: “Butty’s first major tough to beat moment came in November 2022 in the one-point victory over Leicester Tigers at The Rec, with the try that Will scored. 

“He has been a fantastic member our squad and a great example to all of us in what it means to always put the team first.

“Will started in two winning finals and will always be remembered for what he added to our journey. We will miss you Butty, and we know your best is yet to come!”

ALFIE BARBEARY

Heading to Saracens for 2026/27, Alfie Barbeary is part of this season’s departures after four huge years in Blue, Black and White.

Alfie’s time at Bath has been memorable for both himself and the fans, with Barbs becoming a fan-favourite soon after signing for the club in 2022/23.

He has brought his personality to the Bath shirt, along with his huge amount of curly hair.

Speaking of his time at the club, Alfie said: “I have loved every minute of my time in Bath. It’s been a privilege to call this place home for the last four years.

“The memories I’ve made at this club will be ones that I’ll never forget. Thank you to all the fans, staff and players for making my time here so special.

“Lots of love, Barbs.”

Making his debut against Leicester Tigers in March 2023, Alfie has gone on to represent the club 69 times, including being named in all three 23-man squads for each of last year’s finals. 

Alfie won’t be a stranger to Bath, after choosing to continue his rugby journey in the PREM and join north London outfit, Saracens.

Of Alfie’s Bath journey, Johann commented: “Who in the Blue, Black and White can ever forget the scenes in Bath after our PREM win on Sunday 15 June 2025, and Alfie played a major part in this.

“We as a group have created a unique culture with purpose, and Alfie made this group his home.

“He became a treble winner in 2025, and I am proud of his growth during his time at the club. We wish Alfie the very best and we will miss him!"

ETHAN STADDON

Another product of the Bath Rugby Academy, Ethan Staddon leaves the club at the end of the season to join Bristol Bears.

Stadds has earned 41 appearances in club colours since debuting for Bath in 2020 against Worcester Warriors.

Over the last 11 years with the club, Stadds has played across both domestic competitions and made European appearances along the way, demonstrating his growth throughout his time here.

Of his Bath journey, Ethan said: “My time at Bath Rugby has been a huge part of my life and something I’ll always be incredibly grateful for.

“I’m thankful to all the coaches, staff, teammates, friends, and family who have supported me along the way.

“Wearing the Bath shirt has been a privilege and the experiences I’ve had here will stay with me forever.”

Stadds remains close to home making the short trip across to Ashton Gate to join Bristol Bears and remain in the Gallagher PREM.

Commenting on Ethan, Johann said: “We are so proud of the growth and resilience that Ethan has shown over the last number of seasons.

“He has developed into a very good player and his best is definitely yet to come. 

“He has had some excellent performances over the last few seasons with the PREM Cup Final as the standout. We wish Ethan the very best!”

FRANCOIS VAN WYK

Francois van Wyk departs the club after two outstanding years in Blue, Black and White.

Having recently achieved his 50th appearance in club colours, Francois’s dedication and impact on the Bath squad has been undoubted, earning him a Forward of the Season nomination at this season’s awards evening.

Franny joined the club in 2024/25 and went on to lift the Gallagher PREM trophy in his inaugural year.

Welcoming his second child shortly after joining Bath, Franny and his family have very much made the city their home.

Of his time in Blue, Black and White, Franny said: “Thank you, Bath, for giving me the opportunity to represent this club over the past two seasons.

“It has been a privilege and an honour to wear the Bath jersey and be part of a club with such a rich history and tradition. From the moment I arrived, I understood what this club means to so many people and I can only hope that every time I pulled on the jersey, I did justice to everything it represents.

“To Johann, you gave me an opportunity that changed my life, and one that I will be forever grateful for.

“To my teammates, coaches, medical staff, support staff, stadium staff, stakeholders, Board, and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for your support and hard work. The memories we've created together and the relationships I've built will stay with me forever. 

“To the Bath supporters, thank you. Rain, hail or shine, you were always there. Your passion, loyalty and unwavering support never went unnoticed. Whether at The Rec or on the road, you turned up week after week, and it was a privilege to run out and represent you. The atmosphere you created and the support you gave us meant more than you'll ever know.

“And to my wife and children, thank you for your love, sacrifice and constant support throughout this journey. Rugby asks a lot of not only the players, but also the families behind them, and I couldn't have done any of this without you by my side every step of the way.

“I leave with immense gratitude, incredible memories, and a deep appreciation for everyone connected to Bath Rugby. Thank you for welcoming us into your community, supporting us throughout our time here, and allowing us to be part of something so special.”

Franny makes the move to Irish province Connacht, adding to his hugely impressive resume littered with Super Rugby and PREM clubs.

Of Francois’s departure, Johann said: “The first day that I met Francois and his family, we just knew he needed to become part of our journey.

“Francois has been an example of what we as a group have become - family first, special people and connected on so many  levels more than rugby.

“We will miss Francois very much but we wish him the very best for his next step in his career.”

CHRIS HARRIS

Lastly, Chris Harris completes the six members of the squad to depart the club.

Chris made the move to Bath initially as injury cover, but his impact and the value he added to the squad has seen him remain in Blue, Black and White for a full season.

Chris made his Bath debut against Harlequins in the first game of the season, going on to earn 15 caps.

The Scotland international and British and Irish Lion has been an ever-present part of the group over the last year, leaning on his experience during Bath’s PREM Rugby Cup campaign. 

Of his time with Bath, Chris said: “Thank you for one of my most enjoyable seasons to date. I feel very privileged to have been involved in what is such a special rugby environment.

“While that’s led by Johann and all the staff here, the boys are a great talented group and I hope our paths cross again.

Chris remains within the Gallagher PREM, returning to his north-east roots to link up with Newcastle Red Bulls ahead of next season.

Commenting on Chris’s departure, Johann said: “Since Chris joined us at the start of the season, he has added so much to the group.

“Chris has been an excellent team man and the things that stand out are his love for rugby, his expertise in defence and most of all, his love for his family and this circle of ours. 

“We wish Chris the very best for the next step in his journey!"

The club would like to thank each and every departing player for the contributions to the Bath jersey. The memories we have made together will live on and you will always be a part of the Bath Rugby family.