NEAL Hatley has hailed new signing Jonathan Evans to be an exciting new addition to Bath’s scrum-half options next season.

The 22-year-old number nine, who has been capped by Wales at U18 and U20 level, has agreed to move to the Rec from Newport Gwent Dragons next term and is set to once again work under former Dragons head coach Darren Edwards, who also guided Evans during his time with the Welsh U20s.

The Dragons’ youngest-ever player when he made his debut as a 17-year-old in 2010, Evans will come in to make up one third of Bath’s new-look scrum-half line-up alongside Chris Cook and fellow new recruit Niko Matawalu, with Peter Stringer and Micky Young heading for the exit door at the Rec.

And coach Hatley reckons that his club have snapped up a potential star in Evans.

“I think Jonathan Evans is an exciting signing and he’s coming in to work with Darren Edwards, who has first-hand knowledge of his skills,” said Hatley.

“He fits the kind of age profile that we were looking for. His kicking is good and he’s got good pace for a number nine, so he’s got the ability to run in tries from 40 or 50 metres.

“I’m not a great subscriber in the idea that you need two different types of scrum-half and I think he’ll be a good addition alongside Chris Cook and Niko, especially with Peter and Micky going.

“Chris has done really well whenever he’s played and Niko is someone that’s played on the wing for Fiji, so we’ve got good quality in that position.”

Bath go looking to get back to winning ways this weekend but face a testing trip to the Exeter Chiefs.

Hatley added: “It’s a really difficult place to go and we’re struggling a lot more with international call-ups than they are, so I’m sure they’ll consider themselves the favourites.

“But we’ve worked on what we need to do there this week and we’re looking forward to a little West Country derby.”

BATH’S England centre Jonathan Joseph has been named the Aviva Premier-ship player of the month for January.

Alongside his impressive club form, the 23-year-old starred in England’s Six Nations victories over Wales and Italy.

He is also the third Bath player to pick up the league’s monthly award after Kyle Eastmond and Semesa Rokoduguni in September and October respectively.