Premiership: Bath hold onto 'world-class' Bok

TRANSFER NEWS: Bath Rugby confirmed that Springbok Francois Louw has signed a new contract, which will take him into his ninth season with the Club.

Louw arrived in the West Country at the start of the 2011/12 season from Super Rugby outfit Stormers and has since made 130 appearances.

Capped 65 times by his country, the 33-year-old has forged a reputation as one of the most highly regarded back rowers. Strong defensively and at the breakdown, Louw brings considerable experience to the team, which is not only crucial on the pitch but off it in developing the wealth of talent in the back row.

Louw said: “I am delighted to have extended my stay at this Club for another year.

“It has been a privilege and honour to play for Bath over the last eight seasons and to be a part of shaping the clear long-term future set out by the Club is something I’m really excited about.

“Thank you to everyone for your continuous support.”

Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder, added: “Francois is one of those players that every coach wants in their team.

“He is not only a world-class player, but he brings the leadership qualities which will continue to drive us forward as a team. He has also been integral in the development of some of the younger players in the back row, with Sam Underhill, Zach Mercer, Josh Bayliss and Miles Reid all able to draw upon his experiences as a player.

“I know this news is going to go down well with the Bath Rugby supporters, who have had the fortune of watching him down at the Rec for the last eight years.”