SCRUM-HALF Chris Cook admits this season has gone better than he ever could have expected after putting pen to paper on a new Bath Rugby contract.

Bath Academy graduate Cook spent most of last season on loan at London Welsh and helped them win promotion to the Aviva Premiership.

But since returning to The Rec, Cook has established himself as the club’s first-choice number nine and has started 16 of Bath’s 22 games so far this season.

“I love this club and playing here so to be here for at least another two years is fantastic,” said 23-year-old Cook.

“I didn’t think I would get this much game time as I have this season but I’ve loved every moment of it and am trying to make the most of it.

“We’ve got a lot of young players in our squad, particularly in the back-line, but we’ve all gelled really well together.

“If we can stay together for a long stretch of time there’s no reason why we can’t challenge for trophies.”