Leaving Edinburgh was tough, says David Denton

David Denton says that choosing to leave Edinburgh to join English Premiership side Bath has been the toughest call he has ever had to make.

New Bath signing David Denton. Picture: Getty

News broke yesterday morning that the 25-year-old back-rower would be heading south to play for one of English rugby’s most decorated sides, with the West Country club using some of their recent cash windfall from the sale of Sam Burgess to Australian rugby league side South Sydney Rabbitohs to buy Denton out of the remaining six months of his Edinburgh contract.

The Scottish Rugby Union, who fund both of Scotland’s professional sides, could not match the financial package which had been tabled by Bath.

“I’ve had an incredible six years at Edinburgh. It’s been the hardest decision I’ve ever made, as I am going to miss the club, but I am really looking forward to an opportunity to play at one of the 
premier clubs in Europe,” said Denton.

If fit, he could take part in Bath’s European Champions Cup clash against holders Toulon on Sunday, as long as he is registered with EPCR (the tournament’s governing body) in time. However, given that the move was dependent on the player passing a medical, it seems more likely his first appearance won’t be for another week at least.