Armitage linked with Bath Rugby

Toulon star Steffon Armitage has been linked with a return to the Premiership in a race against time before the Rugby World Cup.

Midi Olympique report that the RFU have contacted Toulon about the possibility of quickly bringing Armitage back to England in order for him to be eligible for selection.

Toulon are obviously not keen for Armitage to leave, with Mourad Boudjellal telling the publication on Sunday that a loan would not be possible, although the club also doesn't want to prevent the 29-year-old from playing in a World Cup.

Competition in the back-row is fierce for Armitage as Toulon are well-stocked with Chris Masoe and Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe at number eight, along with a group of flankers including Juan Smith and Mamuka Gorgodze.

Two of the three London clubs participating in the new European Champons Cup - Saracens, Harlequins and Wasps - allegedly have an interest in signing Armitage.

The other contender is Bath, backed by Bruce Craig who has a good relationship with Boudjellal.

Armitage signed a three-year contract extension with Toulon last season and has been linked with playing for France, but England appears to remain his first choice.

Source: Planet Rugby