Springboks forward Louw extends Bath stay

Long-serving South Africa back-row Francois Louw has signed a new one-year contract with Bath.

The 33-year-old arrived at The Rec in 2011 and has gone on to make 130 appearances for the Premiership club.

It was announced on Tuesday that Louw, capped 65 times by the Springboks, will remain with Bath for the 2019-20 season.

"I am delighted to have extended my stay at this club for another year," said Louw.

"It has been a privilege and honour to play for Bath over the last eight seasons and to be a part of shaping the clear long-term future set out by the club is something I'm really excited about."

| He's here to stay!@FloLouw signs new a contract with @bathrugby Read more https://t.co/3c2ZS75Jhb pic.twitter.com/TI6Bqtc8zu

— Bath Rugby (@bathrugby) March 12, 2019

Director of rugby Todd Blackadder said: "Francois is one of those players that every coach wants in their team. He is not only a world-class player, but he brings the leadership qualities which will continue to drive us forward as a team.

"He has also been integral in the development of some of the younger players in the back row, with Sam Underhill, Zach Mercer, Josh Bayliss and Miles Reid all able to draw upon his experiences as a player."