Beattie extends Bath stay

Andy Beattie has signed a new three-year deal at the Recreation Ground.

Bath have been boosted by the news that Andy Beattie has signed a new three-year contract with the club.

Beattie has been one of the club's form players in the 2005/06 campaign, producing some mammoth displays in a back row that has become the foundation of the team during the course of season.

A man-of-the-match display in Bath's heroic away triumph over Leinster is a major reason for their prolonged success in this year's Heineken Cup, in which the West Countrymen now face a quarter-final with Leicester Tigers.

Such displays have seen the 27-year-old establish himself in the England A side, and he was quick to reveal his pleasure after extending his Recreation Ground stay.

"I am delighted to be signing a new contract with Bath" said Beattie.

"It was not a hard decision to make as there is such a great squad atmosphere here. Under Brian Ashton the future looks very promising.

"My main aim now is to win a trophy with Bath as we have come so close in the past but not quite got there."

Ashton was equally pleased with Beattie's commitment, as the canny head coach attempts to transform the current fortunes of the former European champions.

"I am absolutely delighted that Andy has agreed a new contract here," revealed the Bath boss.

"He has been in outstanding form recently and I am looking forward to watching him play a leading role for the rest of the campaign and for Bath in the future."