English scrumhalf swap Bath for Bristol

TRANSFER NEWS: Bath Rugby’s Chris Cook is to head to West Country rivals Bristol Bears at the end of the 2019/20 season, after 11 seasons with the Blue, Black and White.

The Bath-born scrumhalf has made 142 appearances for the Club since making his first team debut against Cardiff Blues in 2010.

After a year-long loan spell at London Welsh during their successful promotion campaign to the Premiership, Cook returned to Bath reinvigorated and with plenty of game time under his belt. He started his first Premiership game in the second fixture of the 2014/15 season against his old club London Welsh, scoring his first Premiership try within two minutes of the game. He has since been a regular fixture in the matchday squad.

Cook has also achieved national honours, appearing for England U20s and receiving a surprise call up to the England 7s squad for the final leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Paris in May 2019.

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“I have loved every minute of wearing the Blue, Black and White,” Cook said.

“With 11 seasons behind me I am thankful to be leaving the Club with great memories, from playing at Twickenham in front of a sea of blue, black and white to sensational matchdays at the Rec.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to all of the supporters who have been a huge part of my time at Bath. Bath is my hometown and I’ll be supporting the Blue, Black and White no matter who’s playing, so I’m sure I’ll see people around!

“To the players and coaches who have been part of my time at Bath, they have made me who I am today and I’d like to thank them sincerely for everything they have done over many years.”

Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper said: “I’d like thank Chris for everything he has given the Club over the years. It’s been an pleasure both playing alongside him and coaching him and we wish him the very best of luck over at Bristol.”