Bath Rugby has secured Will Stuart with a fresh contract, ensuring his stay until the summer of 2026.
The England international, who joined the Blue, Black, and White from Wasps in 2019, boasting 71 appearances, was facing the end of his current deal this season.
However, the 27-year-old prop has inked a two-year extension, committing to the club's future.
Stuart said: “I am really happy to be committing my future to the club for the next two years. Bath Rugby has become my home and being surrounded by such a brilliant group of players, coaches, and support staff is what makes being here so special.
"We are at a stage where I believe the best is yet to come and that’s something I want to be a part of."
Head of Rugby Johann van Graan said: “We are blessed to have brilliant tightheads at Bath Rugby. I am so glad ‘Stuey’ will be staying at Bath. He is an international prop and he’s formed such a good combination inside and outside of him. We are developing world-class props here at Bath Rugby and Will is a big part of our future.”
Stuart has won 33 caps for England and helped the national team finish third at last year's 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
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Highest-paid rugby players in the world 2023
6. Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) - £610,000
During his tenure at Montpellier, the Springbok fly-half was known as one of the highest-earning players in the sport, purportedly receiving an annual salary exceeding one million.
However, his transfer to Leicester Tigers entailed a reduction in pay, although he is still believed to be earning a respectable sum at Welford Road.
Handre Pollard of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
5. Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) - £700,000
The Les Bleus’ talisman is undoubtedly leading one of the most exciting teams on the international stage, all while helping to change the perception of the sport.
Antoine Dupont of France during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
3. Dan Biggar (Toulon) - £800,000
The only Welshman on this list, Biggar was previously earning around £600,000 at Northampton Saints, having joined the Gallagher Premiership side from the Ospreys. However, he recently left the Saints to join French giants Toulon, where he is reportedly earning around £800,000.
Dan Biggar of Northampton Saints kicks the penalty to take the lead during the European Champions Cup, Quarter-final match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on 20 Sept 2020. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
2. Maro Itoje (Saracens) - £850,000
When Itoje was rumoured to be interested in joining Racing 92 two years ago, club president Jacky Lorenzetti let slip that the lock wanted 1million euros for the deal to go through. Exact figures on Itoje's current salary at Saracens vary but it is reported that he is bringing home around £800,000.
A frustrated Maro Itoje of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
2. Finn Russell (Bath) - £1million
The Scotland fly-half, known for his unpredictable nature, had previously earned an annual salary of £850,000 while playing for Racing 92.
However, his recent agreement with Premiership club Bath is believed to be even more financially rewarding.
Speculations put his new deal at approximately £950,000, though certain sources indicate that it could reach an impressive £1 million per year for the entire three-year duration of his contract at the Rec.
1. Owen Farrell (Saracens) - £1.2m
Owen Farrell is set to bid farewell to English rugby at the conclusion of this season, as the Saracens fly-half secures a lucrative three-season contract with Racing 92.
The exclusive scoop was first reported by RUCK earlier today, revealing an agreement between Saracens and the Parisian club.
A statement from Racing read: “Racing 92 can confirm the signing of Owen Farrell (32) for our men’s team. The England international has joined for two seasons and will join up with the ciel et blanc from July 1 2024.”
One report in France indicates that the former England captain could be earning up to £1.2m per season.
Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?
Securing victory in the Guinness Six Nations is undoubtedly special, but achieving this triumph as a captain is a feat that remains a distant dream for many.
In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.
Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.