Double boost for Bath

Bath has been boosted by the news that experienced prop David Flatman has put pen to paper on a new contract that will run at least until the end of the 2010/11 season.

Bath has been boosted by the news that experienced prop David Flatman has put pen to paper on a new contract that will run at least until the end of the 2010/11 season.

“I am delighted to be staying at Bath Rugby for another two years,” admitted Flatman at the weekend.

“I am over the moon. There is nowhere else I wanted to play, hence my desire to put pen to paper quickly without going to the open market in January. The club offered me a deal I was happy with, so it was very easy for me to accept.”

Having been hampered with shoulder and Achilles injuries in recent seasons, it is of little surprise that the prop's ambitions for the next two seasons are simply to stay fit and build to the level of performances that have so often been the cornerstone of Bath's successes since his arrival in 2003.

“For me, my ambition is really to stay available for Bath as much as possible,” he said.

“I have played a lot this season and am fully fit, but Steve Meehan is really taking player welfare seriously and is putting David Barnes in for a couple and me in for a couple – simply to keep our bodies fresh.”

The ex-England loosehead prop has now started 59 for Bath and come off the bench fifteen times, proving his worth time and time again in the fold.

“I'm sure the whole squad will be happy to learn of David's contract extension,” acknowledged Head Coach, Steve Meehan.

“He has experienced the highs and lows that rugby has to offer, is a player who consistently enforces the standards expected of all Bath players and is regularly offering advice to aid our younger players.

“To put it simply, 'Flats' is good bloke and top professional. It's great that he has chosen to pledge his future to us.”

Forwards Coach, Mark Bakewell echoed Meehan's sentiments, revealing how his job is made easier having players like Flatman in the team.

“A fit David Flatman is one of the most destructive looseheads in Europe and at 28 he can still press for representative honours,” Bakewell said.

“Twelve months ago he was up against the ropes with injuries, but thanks to the fine work of many around him and his never-say-die mentality 'Flats' is back and we are lucky to have him.”

In other good news for Bath, lock Peter Short has followed up an exhilarating victory against his former club Leicester Tigers at the weekend by renewing his contract with the club for another two years.

“I am very happy,” said Short, immediately after Saturday's 25-21 win.

“To come out against my former club and win and for Bath to stay top of the Guinness Premiership, I am really delighted to be staying!”

And having endured an exhausting 80 minutes, Short was keen to credit the Bath players for the win and their defensive effort.

“It is rare that we play without the ball for as long as we did today,” admitted Short.

“But, the defence was pretty good all the way through and we never gave up. Everyone saw how much it meant to us to win this game and stay top of the table.”

Head Coach Steve Meehan was delighted by the renewal of Short's contract and felt his performance against Leicester was demonstrative of the 6' 5″ forwards talent and determination.

“Short plays to his absolute maximum each time he takes the field. He always seeks improvement in his game and is a very hard worker,” he said.

“It is great news that Peter has decided to continue with Bath.”

Short's contract takes him up to at least the end of 2010/11 season.