Bath Rugby have confirmed that South African number eight Jaco Coetzee has signed a new two-year contract extension, keeping him at the Recreation Ground until 2027.

The back row joined the club in 2021 from South African side the Stormers and has gone on to make 50 appearances for Johann van Graan’s side despite suffering a series of injury set-backs. The deal comes with doubts being cast over the future of number eight rival Alfie Barbeary who signed a long-term deal with the club in 2022 but has also struggled to make the impact expected of him following a series of injuries.

Bath’s head of Rugby Johann van Graan said: “It is fantastic news that Jaco will be staying on in the Blue, Black and White. Jaco has become one of the premier ball carriers in the Premiership and he has had some magic moments over the last two seasons. Jaco is hungry for more and it is great that he is staying on this journey in this family-first environment.”

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On signing his contract extension, the South African said: “I am really grateful that me and my family can stay on another two years with Bath. This is an amazing club full of amazing people and to be part of the Blue, Black, and White family is unreal.”