Henry Arundell set to reignite his England career after signing for Bath – as 22-year-old prepares to end his international exile in major boost for Steve Borthwick

Henry Arundell will reignite his England career from next season after signing with Gallagher Premiership leaders Bath from French giants Racing 92. 

The 22-year-old has been ineligible to represent Steve Borthwick’s national side since last year’s World Cup after he agreed a deal to stay in Paris until 2026. 

Arundell has been playing for Racing since the demise of London Irish in June 2023, but he is now set for a return to English club rugby. His move to Bath on a two-year deal from the start of the 2025/26 season is a significant coup for Johann van Graan’s big-spending side. 

Arundell, one of the hottest properties in English rugby, will form part of what will be a superstar back-line at The Rec alongside Finn Russell, Ollie Lawrence and Ben Spencer. 

It will also mean he will become available again to England head coach Borthwick from the start of next season.  The RFU’s selection rules mean a player must be employed by a Premiership club to also represent England. 

Arundell was allowed to play at the 2023 World Cup under an exceptional circumstances rule because he joined Racing when Irish entered administration. 

The 22-year-old has been ineligible to represent Steve Borthwick’s national side since last year’s World Cup

However, his new Racing deal meant he then had to forgo playing for England. That will all change when Arundell is a Bath player in what is a huge boost to Borthwick in his search for success and long-term planning through to the 2027 World Cup.

Arundell scored five tries against Chile in his last tournament for England and will significantly add to Borthwick’s back-line options. Arundell can play both wing and full-back. 

He has scored 12 tries in 26 matches with Racing 92 and his departure from them is another blow to the team who are struggling under former head coach Stuart Lancaster.