Bristol have been dealt a major setback following George Watkins’ decision to quit the club and join Cardiff Blues this summer.
Director of rugby Andy Robinson – who recently persuaded Dwayne Peel and Anthony Perenise to join Bristol for next season – had offered Watkins a deal to remain with the club.
But the 23-year-old’s decision to move to Cardiff was inspired by his ambition of pursuing an international career with Wales.
The flying winger – Bristol’s leading try-scorer in the last three seasons and again so far this term – qualifies for Wales through his father and is understood to have received encouraging noises from across the Severn bridge about his Test prospects.
Bristol yesterday confirmed the prolific winger would be leaving this summer, although not his destination. That is expected to be announced by Cardiff next week.
Robinson said: “It’s deeply disappointing to lose a young player, especially one that has come through the academy system.
“George was a key figure in the club’s future vision and we were keen for him to commit for the long-term.
“Unfortunately for Bristol, George has chosen to pursue his ambitions to play European and international rugby and we respect that decision.
“We’re continuing to build a squad that we believe can flourish at the highest level and – despite this news – our commitment to homegrown talent has not wavered.
“George has served us magnificently in the Championship and we thank him for his contribution. Until the time of his departure, he will be fully focused on Bristol Rugby and helping us achieve our goals of promotion to the Aviva Premiership.”
Losing Watkins is a blow as much to Bristol’s identity as it is to their on-field prospects.
While Robinson is assembling a multi-national squad he hopes will be competing in the Premiership next season, he has also regularly stated his desire to see local players graduate from the club’s academy and establish themselves at first-team level.
Former Colston’s School pupil Watkins, with 51 tries in 87 appearances, has arguably cemented his status as one of the first names on the Bristol team-sheet in recent seasons.
One of the most popular players among the supporters, the Bristolian burst onto the scene with a string of impressive performances in the British Irish Cup during the 2009-10 season.
In each of the three full seasons since, he has finished as the club’s top try-scorer. This season, he has scored 12 tries in 11 matches, and is well on course to beat his personal best tally of 15 in a season from 2010-11.
Watkins, who has 11 tries in nine GKIPA Championship matches this season, recently drew level with Sean Marsden’s club record league tally of 39 tries.
Bristol, meanwhile, could sign one more player on loan before the February 28 deadline for GKIPA Championship signings – but Robinson said any further additions would be for next season.
Bristol last week added Scottish duo Ross Rennie and Stuart McInally on loan from Edinburgh, while back-rower Nick Koster is on loan from Bath.
“We may bring in a young player next week on loan – but that’s likely to be it for this season,” he said. “All other signings will be for next season.
“There’s a cut-off point of the end of the February for loans. So any player we want to bring in for this season has to be in by the end of February or they won’t qualify under the regulations, which is right.
“We’ll have to wait and see if there’s anything there, but we’re working with the squad at the moment – and the squad is working really hard.”
Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-25613524
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George Watkins dumps Bristol for Cardiff Blues to pursue Wales rugby dream
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