Joseph ends speculation over future with new Bath deal
Bath Rugby have agreed a new contract with Jonathan Joseph.
The England centre had been heavily linked to a move to Gallagher Premiership rivals Northampton and Bristol Bears.
The 27-year-old, who is currently in Portugal with England ahead of the Guinness Six Nations is nearing a century of appearances for the Blue, Black and White since joining in 2013.
Capped 40 times by his country, the centre follows the likes of Nathan Catt, Anthony Watson, Charlie Ewels, Taulupe Faletau, Zach Mercer, Semesa Rokoduguni and Elliott Stooke in committing his future to the Club.
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Joseph said: “I’m really excited about my future with Bath. I want to say thank you to everyone at the Club who has put in the time and focus in getting me back out on the pitch. One of my main reasons for staying with Bath, is that I believe in everything we want to achieve together as a squad and how we plan to get there.
“It felt great to be back last weekend (against Toulouse) and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and challenging for a place in the top four.”
Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder, added: “You can tell how much it meant to JJ to play last weekend after being out for so long. His immeasurable impact both on and off the pitch will continue to drive us forward as we look to further develop our game and our squad.
“JJ has shown on numerous occasions for Bath and for England what a world-class player he is. His knowledge of the game and attention to detail is second to none and we’re delighted to have secured his services for next season and beyond.”
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Hi Nick. Thanks for your +++ ongoing analysis. Re Vunivalu, He’s been benched recently and it will be interesting to see what Kiss does with him as we enter the backend of SRP. I’m still not sold.
Go to commentsIn the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
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