BATH RUGBY Dunn and Stuart staying for another season

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Created on Thursday, 22 December 2022 12:49

Last Updated on Thursday, 22 December 2022 12:52

Published on Thursday, 22 December 2022 12:49

Written by LEWIS HANCOCK at the Recreation Ground

Bath Rugby can confirm contract extensions for England international duo Tom Dunn and Will Stuart for the 2023/24 season.

They join new forwards Alfie Barbeary and Ted Hill, as well as British & Irish Lion fly-half Finn Russell and England centre Ollie Lawrence, in committing to the club for another term.

Head of Rugby Johann van Graan said: "We are really pleased both Dunnie and Will have committed themselves to Bath Rugby.

"Dunnie loves Bath and is an integral part of the club; he bleeds Blue, Black and White. He epitomises what it is to be a Bath player through his hard work and dedication. He has been fantastic to work with since I arrived in July and has provided great leadership on and off the field.

"Will is a proven Test player and one of the best tightheads in England. I’ve been really impressed by his drive and his hunger to develop his game and achieve things with Bath. I’m really looking forward to him continuing his journey with us; he is very much part of our long-term future."

Hailing from Chippenham RFC, Dunn is a homegrown, Bath Rugby Academy success story.

He debuted for the club a decade ago in the Challenge Cup against Calvisano and is edging towards 200 club appearances.

A player who wears his hear on his sleeve, there is no doubting the 30-year-old’s pride of playing for Bath and he continues to showcase a high level of performance and leadership.

To date this season, Dunn is an ever present in the Gallagher Premiership and EPCR Challenge Cup, playing 809 minutes to date, scoring five tries.

"This is my club and I’m proud to see the direction that we’re going in," the hooker said.

"It means a lot to me, and my family, every time I put on the Blue, Black and White. I desperately want to achieve things with this club, and I feel we’re building towards that."

Stuart’s development at The Rec has seen him cement himself as his country’s leading tighthead in 2022.

The 26-year-old played a crucial part in England’s summer tour series win over Australia, and he returned from injury in the autumn to score two tries to salvage a draw against the All Blacks.

For Bath, he surpassed 50 appearances for the club earlier this season and remains a key component of van Graan’s front row contingent.

Stuart said: "With the signings the club is making and the direction we are heading in, it’s an exciting time to be a Bath player.

"I feel I can take my game to the next level with the players and coaches here, and I want to be part of the group that brings success back to Bath."

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