Ford quiet on Rhys talk

Rugby: Bath boss Mike Ford has refused to be drawn on speculation that Wales international fly-half Rhys Priestland is to join the Aviva Premiership title contenders.

However, it’s likely that Scarlets playmaker Priestland will move to Bath after the World Cup later this year.

It is thought he has agreed a two-year deal, with an announcement planned on his move from west Wales in the next few days.

Asked if he had any comment on the Priestland situation following Bath’s 17-8 defeat at Leicester, Ford replied: “No. Recruitment is ongoing, and we’ve got two or three (players) still to get in place for next season.”

He would become Bath’s second major signing for next term, joining Fiji scrum-half Niko Matawalu, while it is thought that South Africa Test number eight Duane Vermeulen remains a key recruitment target.

On the pitch, an early Tom Youngs try and four Owen Williams penalties saw Leicester home against Bath.