Bath to sign Ospreys flanker Sam Underhill on three-year deal
Wednesday 11 January 2017 16:54, UK
Flanker Sam Underhill will be eligible for England selection later this year after agreeing a three-year deal to join Bath.
Underhill, 20, is a former England U18s captain and rated one of the game's most exciting young players after only 20 appearances for Guinness PRO12 side Ospreys.
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He faced being left out in the cold while plying his trade outside England, due to the Rugby Football Union's selection policy, but the move to Bath next season could see him fast-tracked into Eddie Jones' senior squad.
England travel to Argentina for two Test matches in June, their first games after the defence of their Six Nations title.
"I'm really excited to be moving to Bath," Underhill told Bath's website.
"There is a brilliant environment at the club, and some very talented players, both of which were a huge incentive in joining for me. They have a world-class coaching set-up, who I know will help me develop into the best player I can possibly be.
"I've enjoyed a really good couple of seasons at Ospreys, and would like to thank everyone who has helped make this move possible, and the fantastic support I've received throughout my time in South Wales."
Bath's director of rugby Todd Blackadder added: "We've got a really strong contingent of backrows in the squad, and Sam's addition will boost that even further.
"He's a very talented young player, and we can't wait to see him develop even more over the coming seasons."
