England flanker Sam Underhill has extended his contract with Bath Rugby until the end of the 2025/26 season.
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The 27-year-old joined the club in 2016/17 season, making his debut in the Gallagher Premiership against Northampton Saints.
The flanker, who currently sits on 85 Bath Rugby caps, has been a key part of Johann van Graan’s pack this year.
Sam’s power at the break down and turnover ability saw him called into Steve Borthwick’s Rugby World Cup squad in the autumn of 2023 and going on to start all five of England’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations fixtures.
Of his renewal, Sam said: “I’m really pleased to be staying here. Bath feels like home and it’s an incredibly special place to play.
With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, Sam has now signed a two-year extension.
After securing Sam in his squad, van Graan said: “Sam is world-class. He is one of the best players in Europe and is an exceptional openside flanker. I am very glad he is staying at Bath.”
Sam Underhill dream team
BACK-THREE
Fullback: Matt Perry (England) – He proudly won 36 caps for England, three for the Lions in Australia in 2001, and made an eye watering 221 appearances scoring 561 points for Bath Rugby between 1995 and his enforced retirement in 2007, at that point the Club’s longest serving player.
Winger: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) – Arguably one of the greatest players ever to step on a rugby field, Lomu was one of the most devastating players of his era. Weighing in at 120kg, Lomu was a formidable force on the wing, scoring 37 tries in 63 appearances for his New Zealand.
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales) – He is Wales’ most capped winger with 87 to his name. In 2008, Williams was selected as the World Rugby Player of the Year. Renowned for his pace, side-step and runs, he went on to become one of the best wingers in world rugby and one of Wales’ all-time greats.
CENTRES
Outside-centre: Conrad Smith (New Zealand) – He possessed an eye for the gap unlike many others in the game, frequently being seen ghosting past defences with ease. His quality handling and kicking game made him the complete attacker, frequently creating space for wingers around him. Smith retired from Test Rugby after the 2015 Rugby World Cup and ended his international career with 94 Test Caps, 2 Rugby World Cup Titles and 26 tries.
Inside-Centre: Jean de Villiers (South Africa) – De Villiers is deceptively quick, has superb handling skills and has an uncanny knack for intercept tries. In 2014 he became the fifth South African to reach 100 Test caps for the Springboks. He was named South African Rugby Player of the Year in 2008 and 2013.