Pirlas joins Bath Rugby

Bath Rugby are pleased to announce the signing of Georgian back-rower Olof Pirlas with immediate effect ahead of the 2014/15 season.

The 24-year-old, who will provide timely cover for injured Samoan international Alafoti Fa’osiliva, joins the Club from Lokomotivi Tbilisi, who play in the Georgian Premier Division.

Bath won Pirlas’ signature after strong interest from Top 14 clubs including Toulon and Clermont Auvergne. He is a former Georgian U20 Greco-Roman wrestling champion, and until 2011 was a member of Georgia’s Special Forces Brigade.

Pirlas has reportedly turned down an offer to join the senior Georgian national team, with an eye on possibly playing for England – he qualifies through his mother, who was born in Portsmouth.

“We’re really pleased to be signing Olof,” says Bath forwards coach Neal Hatley, who spotted Pirlas on a recent scouting trip to Georgia and Romania. “There aren’t many 20-stone, 6’5” players who can do a job effectively across the back row. He’s a bit raw and we’ll need to harness that aggression, but he’s a bright prospect.”

The Club has suggested that Pirlas could make his debut as soon as the Amlin Challenge Cup Quarter-Final between Bath and Brive on Sunday 6th April.

Tickets for the all-important European clash between Bath and Brive are available now from the Bath Rugby Ticket Office. To book your seats buy online, phone 0844 448 1865 or visit the Ticket Office on Pulteney Bridge.

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