Thursday 16 October 2014 22:19, UK
Bath have conceded defeat in their pursuit of Steffon Armitage after failing to agree financial terms with Toulon for the forward.
Armitage sought the move to the Recreation Ground in order to win a place in England's squad for next year's World Cup, but securing release from his three-year contract with the European champions has proved impossible.
We tried our best to get him, but we just failed to cross the line and couldn't agree the finances with Toulon.
Bath sought financial assistance from the Rugby Football Union to help fund the transfer on the grounds that England also stood to benefit, but the request was refused.
The 29-year-old back row has been included in Toulon's 24-man squad for Sunday's Champions Cup clash with Scarlets and Bath head coach Mike Ford will now look elsewhere for back-row injury cover.
"It's a dead deal," said Ford, who had already stressed the club’s interest in Armitage would be terminated were he to become cup tied in Europe with Toulon.
"Like I said earlier in the week we tried our best to get him, but we just failed to cross the line and couldn't agree the finances with Toulon.
"Steffon plays for Toulon this weekend and it's a dead deal. We'll be looking in the transfer market for a loan player to cover for us."
Toulon head coach Bernard Laporte revealed at a press conference on Thursday that Armitage - the reigning European player of the year - would be allowed to leave the French club on a short-term basis if guaranteed World Cup selection.
"It's a curious story. I was surprised myself when I was asked the question Monday at the presentation of the European Cup," Laporte said.
"Steffon has signed for another three years with Toulon so he could hardly go. I think he has not been approached directly.
"But I was clear with Steffon and said 'if you want to play in the World Cup and if the condition is that you must play in England, I am ready, along with the president, to release you for six months'.
"But he must be guaranteed to play at the World Cup. And there is none (guarantee)."
Watch Toulon take on Scarlets in the European Champions Cup live on Sky Sports 2, coverage starts at 3pm following the clash between Ospreys and Benetton Treviso.
