Bath youngster extends stay

Nick Abendanon has become the latest Bath academy graduate to sign a new deal.

Bath continue to reward the products of their fine youth system, with Nick Abendanon the latest talent of the future to sign a new contract.

Having already secured the longterm services of Ryan Davis and Tom Cheeseman, the west country club have moved to extend the stay of versatile back Abendanon.

The 19-year-old made his Premiership debut in Bath's last match against London Irish, and Abendanon admits he is thirsty for more first-team action.

"Obviously for me it is fantastic that I have signed a new contract," he told the club website.

"I see myself as a Bath player, I enjoy it here and I want to stay at Bath Rugby for the foreseeable future as I can foresee great things happening at the club.

"It is still early in the season and I am sure more chances for first team action will appear. My aim is to continue to push for a place and get a few more starts as well as get on the bench a few more times."

Soon-to-depart head coach John Connolly lavished praise on the youngster, whose signature further establishes the strong foundations that the Queenslander will leave behind.

"There is no doubt that Nick is a talented footballer," said Connolly.

"He is a fine young player who has a big future ahead of him at the club and we are looking forward to overseeing his development over the next couple of years."