Bath sign centre Harris as Annett among leavers

Chris Harris has made more than a century of appearances for Gloucester in his six years at the club

Bath have signed Scotland centre Chris Harris from Gloucester on a one-year deal for the 2025-26 season.

Harris has scored 27 tries in 109 appearances for the Cherry and Whites where he has played since 2019.

The 34-year-old signs as injury cover for England international Ollie Lawrence, who is not due back for the start of next season after he ruptured an Achilles tendon during the Six Nations.

Harris's arrival comes as front rows Niall Annett and Arthur Cordwell will retire from playing this summer, while hookers Hame Faiva and John Stewart will also be leaving the club.

Harris has been capped 46 times by Scotland - the last coming in 2023 at the World Cup - and was also selected for the 2021 British and Irish Lions squad who toured South Africa.

He said he was "delighted to have the opportunity to join Bath and get to play with some great friends and great talent".

"The culture translates on the pitch and I'm excited to get started," Harris added.

Harris joins a growing list of players signing for the Premiership league leaders for the 2025-26 campaign, including Gloucester team-mate and Argentina full-back Santiago Carreras, England back Henry Arundell and hooker Dan Frost.

Head of rugby Johann van Graan said Harris is "a leader, and an excellent all-round player".

He added: "I believe Chris' best is yet to come and he will fit in very well with our family-first environment."

Annett to transition into coaching role at Ulster

Niall Annett came off the bench to help Bath beat Lyon in the European Challenge Cup final

Annett, 34, has confirmed he will leave Bath this summer to take up a coaching role at Ulster, where he began his career.

The former Ireland Under-20 captain joined Bath from Worcester Warriors in 2022 and made 23 appearances this season.

He started six matches and scored four tries, including home and away against Exeter in the Premiership and in the Challenge Cup semi-final win at Edinburgh earlier this month.

He was among the replacements as Bath picked up their first continental silverware in 17 years by beating Lyon in Cardiff last week.

Annett told the club website: "The Rec will always hold a special place in our hearts. As a family we will have memories that will last a lifetime.

"To all the players, staff, and everyone behind the scenes - thanks so much. It's been a pleasure being part of the club. I've loved every minute and I'm wishing you all the very best and loads of success moving forward."

Prop Cordwell, 26, came into Bath's senior academy via Canford School and the University of Bath.

"It's been an honour to play for my boyhood club," he said.

"Over the past eight years I've met some incredible people, had the opportunity to share the pitch with some of the best players in the world, and made memories I'll be proud of for the rest of my life."

Former England Under-20 international Stewart, 22, departs having come through the club's academy system before making his Bath debut in 2021, while 31-year-old Faiva joined the club in November 2023 after competing for Italy in the World Cup.

Faiva – previously with Italian team Benetton, Worcester Warriors, and Hurricanes – missed most of this season with a knee injury sustained against Cardiff in pre-season.

Van Graan said: "Niall has made a massive contribution across the last three years on and off the field. He is tough to beat, and he will make a fantastic coach.

"Arthur is one of the true characters in our group, a reliable squad member who always puts the team first. I wish Arthur the very best in the next step of his journey. He will make a success of anything he takes on.

"Hame and John have added on and off the pitch with their unique personalities and will be missed by all. We wish them the very best for the next part of their journey."