Bath centre Jonathan Joseph agrees contract extension

The 23-year-old is the club's top try scorer, with seven to his name from 15 games, and that form has earned him a new deal.

Coach Mike Ford expressed his delight at retaining Joseph's services for an extended duration, though the club did not disclose the duration of the fresh terms.

"JJ is an incredibly talented young player, who is on the brink of breaking into the England squad, and deservedly so," he told the club's official website.

"He has been on fantastic form for us, providing a real threat in our back line and his defence is international class too.

"He's matured as a player over the last year or so, and we're delighted he's staying with us."

Joseph, who has six England caps, revealed he had no hesitation in signing on for a longer stay at the Recreation Ground, having moved to the club in 2013 from London Irish.

"I feel I've really developed as a player since I've been here at Bath," he said. "With the help of the great coaches here I've added more elements to my skillset, so I definitely wanted to stay here."

Bath sit second in the table, one point behind Northampton Saints.