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Gareth Anscombe is used to life in rugby hotbeds, from Auckland and Waikato to Cardiff and Gloucester, he has experienced plenty of them, but even he is finding something new in his latest adventure with Bayonne in the Top 14.
The Basque club have improved over the past few years with the likes of Manu Tuilagi, former Australia international Reece Hodge, and one-time France scrumhalf Maxime Machenaud propelling the side to new heights.
Last season they went unbeaten at home and reached the Top 14 semifinals, and while eventual champions Toulouse ended their run, it did mean a place in the Investec Champions Cup.
“The club has galvanised the city and support is through the roof,” Anscombe told EPCR.com. “The fans are right behind the team - they’ve gone 37 home games sold-out.
NEW CHALLENGE
“It’s a nice challenge because I’ve come from teams that have been defined by structure. I’ve always wanted to test myself in the TOP 14, particularly over the last few years. It’s a league I’ve really wanted to play in and I’m extremely lucky to get the opportunity.”
The 34-year-old Anscombe had the chance to move to the Top 14 as a medical joker in 2023, but that would have meant missing the France 2023 Rugby World Cup.
He arrives at the Stade Jean-Dauger as a replacement for former France international Camille Lopez who retired at the end of last season, which means he will compete with Joris Segonds for the number 10 shirt.
It is a challenge Anscombe is relishing, while off the field he and his family are settling in and have become regular visitors to the local beach once training is over.
EUROPEAN HEAVYWEIGHTS
Soon though his attention will turn to Bayonne’s Top 14 opener away to Perpignan on 6 September, and Champions Cup matches against the Stormers, Harlequins, Leicester, and Leinster.
“Investec Champions Cup rugby is brilliant for a city like Bayonne,” Anscombe said. “It’s an awesome challenge,” Anscombe said. “It’s a chance to build on the success that the club had in Top 14.
“There are some heavyweights in there but that’s what you want. Bayonne’s made moves in the last few years against the best sides, so it’ll be great to welcome Leinster here and some of the heavyweights.”