mens
Gallagher-Prime Minister
Jamie Bhatti is another spell in the Bath was derailed almost as soon as it started after Scotland prop revealed his broken arm via social media.
Bhatti posted a picture of an X-ray revealing the fracture on his personal Instagram account, which the club has yet to officially confirm.
The 33-year-old, who arrived in the summer on a two-year deal, picked up the injury 10 minutes after coming on against his former club Glasgow in Bath’s final pre-season game at Old Anniesland last Friday.
While Bath were impressive in thrashing their ruthless opponents, 53-5, Bhatti’s injury is a real blow for the club ahead of Friday’s Gallagher PREM opener at Harlequins.
Bhatti was just one of three new signings, with the 36-cap international brought in by Johaan van Graan to replace the loss of Francois van Wyk from Connacht.
Messages of support poured in for Bhatti, who added the humorous caption, “great start to the season”. Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu was among the well-wishers, saying “get well soon brother”.
While van Graan will rely on Pau-bound Ben Oban and Scott Kirk for the time being, it is very likely that the South African will look to the short-term injury to cover for the unfortunate Bhatti.
Bhatti made 11 appearances for the blue, black and white when he was last at the club, on loan from Edinburgh, in 2020.
When his signing was announced six months ago, van Graan said: “He comes from a winning environment with Test experience and has become a very good ball carrier.”