Connacht sign prop Van Wyk from Bath

Van Wyk helped Bath to the Gallagher Premiership title last season and has remained an ever-present member of the matchday 23 this season.

Bath's Francois van Wyk crosses for a try against Newcastle Red Bulls at Kingston Park Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Connacht have signed veteran South African loosehead prop Francois Van Wyk from Bath. He will arrive next season at the Sportsgrounds.

Van Wyk featured 28 times for Bath last season, helping them to the Gallagher Premiership title, and has remained an ever-present member of the matchday 23 this season.

Prior to his Bath spell, he had three years in Leicester, and then four in Northampton where he amassed over 80 appearances.

The 34-year-old South African first moved to England in 2017 after four years in Super Rugby, playing 21 times for Western Force.

Of his new move, Van Wyk said: "I'm really looking forward to the move to Connacht in the summer. The opportunity of experiencing a new country, in a new league, is something that appeals to me at this stage of my career. 

"From my discussions with everyone in Connacht I'm in no doubt that I can make a positive impact to the playing group and help bring success to the West of Ireland."

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster added: “We’re confident Francois can be a real asset to the group next season. He’s an excellent scrummager, brings huge physicality whenever he plays, and comes with a wealth of experience at the highest level of Northern Hemisphere rugby. 

"He plays an important role in a very successful Bath team, and we’re looking forward to him bringing those learnings from across his career.”