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Salvi could become a Rebel
Loves home: Julian Salvi
Bath could lose in-form flank Julian Salvi from 2011 due to the emergence of Super 15 side, Melbourne Rebels.
The new southern hemisphere franchise, who have already been linked with full-back Chris Latham, are currently on the look-out for talent.
And according to team-mate Matt Carraro, the 24-year-old may find the carrot of moving back home at the season's end too tempting to resist.
"Julian loves back home and he's going home to get married in a couple of weeks and he and his fiancée have got a little boy back there. It's a big ask bringing the family over," said the centre, speaking to the Bath Chronicle.
"It's bad timing for us, I guess, that the new Super 14 side is coming in. But, who knows? He has had a good time here. He's the same as me: he loves the team, loves everything in the city, it's just the results that have gone the wrong way
"His fiancée was over here for six weeks and loved the place too so obviously that's going to help him stay. I don't think she was too keen until she came over and actually realized how good it is here."
Bath started the 2009/10 term without the departed Michael Lipman and took a little time to adjust despite new signing Ben Skirving performing admirably from eight.
Now the West Countrymen have been boosted by Luke Watson arriving from Cape Town, which is allowing Salvi to thrive at seven.
Salvi joined Bath from the Brumbies and has a wealth of experience in the Super 14. And Carraro believes will see Australian sides falling over themselves to bring him back in 2011.
"Someone of Jules' calibre, for sure," explained the back when asked would Australia want Salvi.
"Me, I don't know what will happen. Jules has played 49 Super 14 games and has been around for a pretty long time, and at the Brumbies he was behind pretty much the best seven (George Smith) in the world. He's got a lot of potential there and a lot more to give in his rugby career.
"Sides back home are going to want to get guys like that back."
