Bath pin down Zach Mercer with two-year contract extension

Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder has described Zach Mercer as a ‘huge talent' after the back row put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract extension.
Mercer has made 38 appearances and has drawn wide acclaim for his performances in the Blue, Black and White, with the 21 year-old finishing the 2017/18 season with six tries.
“Zach is a huge talent, and we're really pleased to have secured his future with the Club.” said Todd Blackadder.
“Over the last two years, he has worked incredibly hard at all the aspects of his game; this has paid dividends and is clear to see in his dominant performances.
“He has got all the attributes to become a world-class player, and it's great to know that he sees Bath as the place to do that.
“With the likes of Toby (Faletau) and Francois (Louw), he's got some of the best players to learn from and I'm sure he'll continue to thrive in this environment over the next three years.”
The number 8's emergence from the Bath academy to the first-team was recognised by England head coach Eddie Jones in May when Zach Mercer started against the Barbarians, scoring a try in the 63-45 defeat.
Touching on what Blackadder said about the stars within the Bath back row, Mercer added: “I couldn't ask for a better place to continue my development – we've got a great setup with the coaches and players along with an amazing supporter base.
After rekindling their rivalry with Bristol in the Premiership curtain-raiser, Bath head back to the Rec on Saturday where Matt Banahan and Gloucester are the visitors.