Bath Rugby is pleased to confirm that Darren Atkins has signed a new contract with the Club.

The Bath Rugby Academy product will graduate into the senior squad ahead of the 2018/19 season. Atkins has made seven senior appearances for the Club, most recently in the 21-8 victory against Newcastle Falcons on Saturday. The quick-footed fullback was also part of the England U20 team that reached the U20 World Championships Final last summer in Georgia.

Atkins said: “I’m really excited to be moving from the Academy to senior squad next season. My time in the Academy has been a huge learning curve for me, but it’s been really beneficial. I’ve had a taste of first team rugby, and so now I’m looking forward to pushing on, continuing my development here and challenging for a regular place in the team.”

Todd Blackadder, Director of Rugby, added: “Darren is a player with huge potential, and he showed that again on the weekend against Newcastle.

“He’s got an impressive attitude for a young lad, and I know that he’ll keep learning from the likes of Anthony Watson and Tom Homer, and that will help him to really flourish in the coming seasons.”