The 33-year-old is set to start a new chapter in his career
Wales international Gareth Anscombe has signed for French side Bayonne ahead of the new season.
The 33-year-old is set to head over the Channel at the end of the season, having spent this campaign at English Premiership side Gloucester. His future at Kingsholm has looked uncertain ever since the club confirmed the signing of Leinster fly-half Ross Byrne for next season, a move that’s understood to have prompted the club to tell with Anscombe there was no deal on the table for him to stay.
He’s now poised to head to France, with the club, who are fourth in France’s top division, announcing the move in a brief statement. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
“Having played for the Auckland Blues, the Chiefs, and Gloucester, Gareth will bring his experience to our talented line-up,” the club said.
“Gareth Anscombe has also played in two Rugby World Cups for Wales!
“He will join the club for one season.”
The move is the latest in what’s been a rather hectic few years for the fly-half, who had initially struggled to find a club shortly after leaving the Ospreys in 2023.
He had looked set to join Toulon, before a conversation with Eddie Jones after the Barbarians v World XV clash that summer helped him find a club in Japan.
However, his registration at Tokyo Sungoliath was cancelled shortly after it emerged he would require surgery on a groin injury, meaning he never got to play a single minute of action out there.
Gloucester picked him up along with Wales half-back partner Tomos Williams, and the duo have produced some strong performances in the Gallagher Premiership.
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But Anscombe’s stay in England has been a short-lived one, and despite interest from Pro D2 clubs, he is now set to ply his trade in the Top 14.
In a statement confirming the move, Gloucester said: “Gloucester Rugby can confirm that Gareth Anscombe will depart the Club to join Bayonne next season.
“Anscombe, 33, joined the Cherry & Whites in the summer of 2024 and has gone on to make 14 appearances this season.
“Gloucester Rugby would like to thank Gareth for his time at the Club and when the time comes, he will leave with the best wishes for him and his family on their next adventure in France.”
