As England prepare for Le Crunch, one of the country’s most talented players currently unavailable to Steve Borthwick confirmed his return from France on Thursday. Henry Arundell hasn’t played international rugby since the 2023 World Cup due to his club employment with Racing 92. But from next season, he will play for boyhood club Bath. The 22-year-old’s move back to the Gallagher Premiership means he will become available again to national head coach Borthwick from the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
![[England coach Steve Borthwick can pick Arundell from the start of the 2025/26 campaign]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/06/18/94942337-0-image-a-31_1738865288888.jpg)
‘Joining Bath will be a very special occasion for both me and my family,’ said Arundell, who moved to Racing after the demise of his first team London Irish. ‘We’ve been Bath fans for generations and growing up, I spent many years in the stands supporting the team. Now, to potentially wear a Bath shirt is incredibly exciting. ‘The team is in a fantastic place right now. I’m confident we can create some amazing memories over the next few years.’.
![[England are gearing up for the taunting task of hosting France in the Six Nations on Saturday]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/06/18/94942365-0-image-a-32_1738865371538.jpg)
Henry Arundell has not been available for England during his spell with French club Racing. England coach Steve Borthwick can pick Arundell from the start of the 2025/26 campaign. England are gearing up for the taunting task of hosting France in the Six Nations on Saturday. Bath boss Johann van Graan is busy establishing an all-star squad at The Rec and his first-choice back-line from next season has the potential to be full of internationals.
A Harlem Globetrotters-style three-quarter division of Santi Carreras, Joe Cokanasiga, Ollie Lawrence, Cameron Redpath, Arundell, Finn Russell and Ben Spencer will not only be the envy of Bath’s Premiership rivals, but also one of the strongest anywhere in Europe. Bath were beaten in last season’s Premiership final but are six points clear at the top this term. Arundell, who can play wing and full-back, has signed a three-year deal. He has seven tries in 10 Tests to date, with that number set to grow in the future.
