England international Jonathan Joseph agrees new deal with Bath

Bath have confirmed they have signed centre Jonathan Joseph to a new contract.
The England international was a late call-up to Eddie Jones’ Six Nations squad earlier this week following his return to action in the Champions Cup after nine months out with an ankle injury.
Joseph’s previous deal at the Rec was due to expire at the end of the season but the 27-year-old joins Taulupe Faletau, Anthony Watson, Zach Mercer and Semesa Rokoduguni, among others, in signing contract extensions.
Joseph told the club’s website: “I’m really excited about my future with Bath. I want to say thank you to everyone at the club who has put in the time and focus in getting me back out on the pitch.
“One of my main reasons for staying with Bath, is that I believe in everything we want to achieve together as a squad and how we plan to get there.”
Joseph’s return to the rugby pitch came in Bath’s 20-17 defeat to Toulouse last weekend, having missed England’s June tour of South Africa and the autumn internationals in 2018.
Now back and nearing full fitness, the 27-year-old revealed there was only one objective in his mind with Bath, who sit four points off a the Premiership play-offs places.
“It felt great to be back last weekend (against Toulouse) and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and challenging for a place in the top four,” Joseph vowed.
Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder said: “You can tell how much it meant to JJ to play last weekend after being out for so long. His immeasurable impact both on and off the pitch will continue to drive us forward as we look to further develop our game and our squad.
“JJ has shown on numerous occasions for Bath and for England what a world-class player he is. His knowledge of the game and attention to detail is second to none and we’re delighted to have secured his services for next season and beyond.”
Joseph joined the Blue, Black and White in 2013 after displaying his potential as an academy graduate at London Irish.
With England’s Six Nations opener against Ireland a mere ten days away, Joseph adds to Eddie Jones’ options at outside centre which include Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi, and Elliot Daly.