Rugby Union: Sleightholme in freefall

Thursday 09 October 1997 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jon Sleightholme's career continued to freefall yesterday when Bath told the England wing that his services were no longer required.

The 25-year-old Sleight holme, who has 18 months of a three-year contract remaining, agreed to go on the transfer list once Bath made their feelings known.

Several leading Allied Dunbar Premiership clubs have already made enquiries about signing the Yorkshireman, who has been capped 12 times, although Bath will demand a pounds 100,000-plus transfer fee.

Only two weeks ago the new England coach, Clive Woodward, ignored Sleight- holme's claims for a place in the 23-man national squad preparing to tackle New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

"I have spoken to Jon, but this matter is between me, him and the club. I would rather keep it that way," Andy Robinson, the Bath coach, said.

Bath's chief executive, Tony Swift, said: "The crunch is that we cannot guarantee Jon regular first-team rugby."

Sleightholme, who scored five tries during an unbroken 13-match England run, gave up a full-time teaching job at Bath's Culverhay School last year to concentrate on rugby.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in