Back row trio commit to Bath

The powerful back row trio of Matt Garvey, Leroy Houston and Guy Mercer have renewed their contracts with Bath.

"Matt, Leroy and Guy are all talented players, and offer different qualities that give us a good variety and strength in depth in the back row.

"They are passionate about the club and committed to what we are trying to achieve here. We're really happy they are staying on and know they'll continue to give their all for us," head coach Mike Ford said.

Garvey and Houston arrived in the West Country at the start of the 2013/14 season, and both made huge impressions in their first year, being named Supporters' Player and Players' Player of the Year respectively at the Annual Awards Dinner in May 2014.

"It was an easy decision to make to stay at Bath. It is a great squad to be part of and we are all working hard to achieve our goals. My family and I were made to feel really welcome from the moment we arrived, and that also played its part in making me want to stay," Garvey said.

"I've loved my time at Bath so far, and I'm really looking forward to progressing with the team. We've got world class facilities, fantastic coaches and top support staff. I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be to continue my career," Houston added.

Mercer, who grew up in Bath, has risen through the ranks at the club, graduating from the Academy ahead of the 2011/12 season.

"There's no better feeling for me than running out in front of a packed out Recreation Ground wearing the colours of the team I've supported since I was a kid. There is a big emphasis on making sure players keep developing here at Bath, and you can see that it's paying off with the number of young players making their way into the first team.

"This is the best environment for me to keep progressing, and I'm excited to be part of the club going forward," said Mercer.