Bath Rugby confirm new deal for international winger to provide backline depth

Former England international winger Ruaridh McConnochie has signed a contract extension with Bath Rugby keeping him at the club until the summer of 2025.

The winger’s current deal was due to expire at the end of the season, with Newcastle Falcons reportedly keen on bringing him to Kingston Park next season, but the 32-year-old - who has dropped down the pecking order at the Rec under Johann van Graan - has now put pen to paper on a one-year extension.

READ MORE: Bath Rugby player ratings from Newcastle Falcons win - 'Back with a bang'

So far this campaign, the former Olympian and GB sevens silver medallist from Rio 2016 has registered two tries, one against Saracens at the start of the season and more recently versus Harlequins, to add to the 19 he’s already scored for Bath Rugby since joining the club.in 2018.

On signing a new deal with Bath, McConnochie, who was recently called up to train with the Scottish national team having earned two caps for England back in 2019 and won a runners-up medal at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, said: “I owe a lot to this special club as it was the only one which gave me a shot coming from sevens in 2018. I still feel I can contribute here on and off the field as this group grows and be part of a squad that wins silverware for this city. Thanks to Johann for giving me this opportunity.”

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan said: “Ruaridh is a true professional, a club man, and always does his best for the team. He is also an exceptional rugby player, specifically in the air, an extremely good communicator and a very good finisher. I am very glad that he is staying at Bath Rugby.”

Next season, once again McConnochie will compete for playing time on the wings with Joe Cokanasiga, Will Muir and Tom de Glanville, as well as new signings Regan Grace and Austin Emens.