He has been ever-present this season, starting all but two games, the first five at blindside flanker, and the last three at lock, while in the other two matches he came on as a replacement at openside and lock. In addition, he scored his first points for the club with a try against Montpellier in the European Challenge Cup two weeks ago.

Short said that he is enjoying being able to take the field for Bath every week, and hopes that thereby he will contribute to success in the near future: “I’m enjoying both the guys and the set-up. Obviously I’m conscious that we are ambitious and haven’t won anything recently but the ambition is still there.

“There have been some injuries at the start of the season so I’ve been able to fit in wherever I have needed to,” he continued. “Modern rugby has to be like that. You have to compete and that is one of my plusses. It’s a big thing to play every week and I’m happy to play where I’m needed and wherever the coaches want to play me.”

Forwards Coach Mark Bakewell said: “It’s great to have quality players continuing at the club. Peter, being such a consistent, solid footballer, is someone that the team can build its foundations around. A player of his calibre is invaluable.”