'Super-sub' Jaco Coetzee pens new Bath deal

South African No.8 Jaco Coetzee has signed a new contract at Bath, extending his stay with the Blue, Black and White until 2027.

The back row joined the club in 2021 from The Stormers and has gone on to make 50 appearances for Johann van Graan’s side.

On signing his two-year 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.”

Coetzee has made 13 appearances this season, all from the bench, with the 28-year-old having to play second fiddle to Alfie Barbeary and Miles Reid.

Coetzee has always made a big impact as a ball carrier whenever he has come on, though, and when interviewed back in October, said that he was more than happy to be playing, regardless of what number he has on his back.

“I am just enjoying my rugby again, and it is nice just to be part of the team and showing what I can do.

“I have made this joke with Johann saying that I am Jaco 2.0 with the Bomb Squad.

“To be honest, as long as I get my opportunity and I can use it, if it’s five minutes, 70 minutes or however long, as long as I can help the team win I am all for it because it is a team game, not a one-man show.

“I am not pushing to get anyone else out of the team, I am just happy to fit in. So whatever it is, I trust Johann, I trust the team, and I’ll do whatever I can.”

Bath’s Head of Rugby Johann van Graan said about the new deal: “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.”

The Coetzee update follows last week’s news that Henry Arundell, Santiago Carreras, Dan Frost and Bernard van der Linde had agreed to join the Gallagher Premiership leaders.

Coetzee joins the likes of current players, Beno Obamo, Ollie Lawrence and Quinn Roux in pledging their futures to Bath beyond the end of this season.