Leeds captain Hooper to leave for Bath at season's end
Leeds to lose Hooper
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Monday, 25, Feb 2008 09:19
Leeds Carnegie captain Stuart Hooper is set to sign for Guinness Premiership rivals Bath at the end of the season.
The 27-year old will join Steve Meehan's side as a replacement for Steve Borthwick, who is to join Hooper's former club Saracens once the season closes.
Currently Leeds sit at the bottom of the Premiership and the second row believes that his forthcoming switch will help to progress his career, which has already seen him represent England at under-21 level.
Commenting on the move, he stated: "I am honoured to have the opportunity to join a club with the heritage of Bath.
"I am excited about challenging for a place in the team. But my focus, for now, will remain on helping Leeds remain in the Premiership."
He explained that he is now looking to settle down with his wife, who is expecting their first child, and that moving closer to his home in the south west was a major factor in choosing to move to the Rec.
Bath head coach Meehan added: "It will be good to have a player with the Premiership experience that he has - and I hope he will bring a fresh set of ideas."
At the same time Bath fly-half Olly Barkely has announced that he is to leave after six years at the club.