Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson agree new Bath deals

England backs Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson have signed new contracts with Bath that will keep them at the Aviva Premiership club until 2019.
RBS 6 Nations Championship Round 3, Twickenham Stadium, London, England 27/2/2016
England vs Ireland
England's Jonathan Joseph
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Andrew FoskerRBS 6 Nations Championship Round 3, Twickenham Stadium, London, England 27/2/2016
England vs Ireland
England's Jonathan Joseph
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Andrew Fosker
RBS 6 Nations Championship Round 3, Twickenham Stadium, London, England 27/2/2016 England vs Ireland England's Jonathan Joseph Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Andrew Fosker

Both players, who were present throughout this year’s Grand Slam triumph and the 3-0 series whitewash of Australia, left London Irish for the Recreation Ground in 2013.

“Jonathan and Anthony are exceptionally talented and since gaining greater international experience, they are having much more of a positive effect on the group - on and off the pitch,” Bath first-team coach Toby Booth said.

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The pair made their debuts in the 21-0 victory over Newcastle in the opening game of the 2013-14 Aviva Premiership campaign and have been ever present in the Bath backline since.

Joseph is first choice at outside centre for club and country, with his electric pace and sharp footwork now matched by an improved defence.

The 25-year-old has scored 16 tries in 58 appearances for Bath and nine in 25 caps for England.

“My game has really progressed during my three years at Bath and I definitely feel as though I’ve matured as a player, so I’m looking forward to progressing further over the coming years,” Joseph said.

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“There’s a positive vibe around the club. We’re all excited about the season ahead of us.”

Watson, 22, is comfortable at wing and full-back, but it is the former position where he has been picked by England, who have profited from a strike rate of 11 tries from his last 16 Test outings.

“I’m really settled at Bath, but know at the same time that it’s the perfect environment for me to keep developing and adding to my skills and my game,” Watson said.

“As a squad, we can’t wait to get the season underway and build on the foundations we’ve laid over the last couple of seasons.”

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