Leicester fly-half Sam Vesty joins rivals Bath

Vesty had been at Leicester for 13 years

England international and Leicester fly-half Sam Vesty has signed for Bath on a three-year deal.

The 28-year-old had fallen out of favour at Welford Road, mainly due to Toby Flood and Jeremy Staunton's form.

Vesty said: "I am really looking forward to coming to Bath. They appealed to me because of the exciting brand of rugby that they play.

"They like to get the ball into space and attack with ball in hand which is a style that suits and excites me."

Vesty had shown commendable loyalty to Leicester, having made 164 appearances for the Tigers during a 13-year spell at the club, which saw him earn Heineken Cup and Guinness Premiership winners' medals.

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Is this a good move for Vesty?

"It is a great opportunity to enjoy a different experience," added Vesty. "I have a young family, so now is the perfect time to move to a different part of the country and take on a new challenge which I think will be great for my game."

Bath head coach Steve Meehan said: "Sam has a great range of skills and is very flexible; he prefers fly-half, but he can play at 10 or 12. He is a player who is team-orientated and thoroughly professional.

"He is also an very intelligent player and another goal kicker with a style of play that will definitely complement Bath when he joins us in the summer."

Family link

Vesty is a fourth-generation Tiger, following in the footsteps - and surpassing the appearance records of - father Phil, grandfather Bernard and great-grandfather Jack Dickens.

A product of the Tigers' Academy, he went to the 2006 Churchill Cup with England Saxons before his excellent club form during the 2009 season earned him a first senior call for the summer Tests against Argentina, where he won two caps as a replacement.

However Vesty has failed to impress at Leicester during the current campaign, making just six senior appearances for the side, one of which saw him kick two conversions and a penalty in a 27-11 home victory against Bath in January.

Bath have already signed Leicester's Lewis Moody for next season.