Springbok flank Francois Louw has signed a one-year contract extension with Bath that will take him into his ninth season in the English Premiership.

Louw joined Bath from the Stormers at the beginning of the 2011-12 season and has gone on to make 130 appearances for the Somerset-based club.

‘I am delighted to have extended my stay at this club for another year,’ Louw said. ‘It has been a privilege and honour to play for Bath over the last eight seasons, and to be able to help shape the club’s long-term future is something I’m really excited about. Thank you to everyone for your continuous support.’

Bath coach and director of rugby Todd Blackadder added that Louw is a player every coach would want in their team.

‘He is not only a world-class player, but he brings the leadership qualities that will continue to drive us forward as a team. He has also been integral in the development of some of the younger players in the back row, with Sam Underhill, Zach Mercer, Josh Bayliss and Miles Reid all able to draw upon his experiences as a player.’

Photo: Henry Browne/Getty Images