Bath Rugby Scrum-Half Exits Immediately
Neil le Roux has left Bath with immediate effect to return to South Africa. The club confirmed the move on April 8, 2026.
Departure and background
Le Roux is a 22-year-old former South Africa U20 scrum-half. He arrived at Bath from the Bulls during the 2023/24 season.
He joined while injured and completed rehabilitation under Bath’s medical team. His exit was described in reports using the phrase Bath Rugby Scrum-Half Exits Immediately.
Playing record at Bath
Le Roux made his professional debut in February 2025 against Ampthill. That match was part of the PREM Rugby Cup campaign.
He scored his first club try during that competition. In total, he made 16 appearances for Bath, eight of them this season.
One of those appearances was the PREM Rugby Cup semi-final loss to Leicester Tigers. He was also part of Bath’s treble-winning 2024/25 campaign.
Competition for the nine shirt
Le Roux fell down the pecking order at the Rec following other arrivals. Bernard van der Linde emerged as a strong option after his own injury return.
Van der Linde also joined from the Bulls. He has pushed for game time and challenged homegrown Tom Carr-Smith for the support role.
Coach’s assessment and squad context
Head coach Johann van Graan highlighted depth at scrum-half. He named Ben Spencer as the established first choice.
Van Graan praised Tom Carr-Smith and noted Ieuan Davies’s recent starts. He described Bernard van der Linde as a physical, contact-oriented nine who offers bench impact.
Next steps
Le Roux will return to South Africa following his departure. Bath will continue to work with the remaining nine options as the season progresses.
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