Priestland to stay at Bath after signing new deal

Rhys Priestland has cancelled plans to quit Bath at the end of the season, instead signing a new two-year contract with the Premiership club.

Both player and club had announced in January that the Wales international would be leaving following the conclusion of the 2018-19 campaign, with Bath reportedly looking at alternative options.

Handre Pollard, Aaron Cruden and Gareth Anscombe were all linked with moves.

But no deal for a replacement was agreed and Bath have retained Priestland, who joined the club from Scarlets in 2015 and has since made 74 appearances.

Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder said: "It is no secret that we have been looking at a couple of specific options. However, this has never diminished the faith we have in Rhys.

| Bath Rugby are pleased to confirm that @Rhys_Priestland has signed a new two-year deal with the Club. Read more https://t.co/xTzLhJKssD pic.twitter.com/WXlKaWnelJ

— Bath Rugby (@bathrugby) April 5, 2019

"He is an incredibly respected member of our group and we know he will continue to commit to our future direction and help us achieve the success we are all striving for.

"We believe we are all building something special here at the club and Rhys has already been and continues to be a huge part of that."

Priestland has 50 caps for his country, although his last appearance for Wales was in November 2017.