ENGLAND ace Anthony Watson revealed he didn’t hesitate when the option of extending his stay at Bath was put before him.

The 20-year-old signed a contract extension that will see him remain at the club until 2017 earlier this week and admitted he jumped at the chance to cement his future in an environment he believes has already helped his career make huge strides.

“I’m absolutely delighted. As soon as they put it on the table I snatched at the opportunity because it’s an unbelievable environment here,’’ he told the Wiltshire Times.

“It’s massively exciting and for me it was pretty much a no-brainer.

“It’s too good a place to come in to play and train and work with these guys like George (Ford), JJ, (Jonathan Joseph) and Kyle (Eastmond).

“We push each other along and the older lads, people like Stuart Hooper (captain) also help us massively and it helps the team.’’

Watson has made 29 appearances in total, scoring five tries since arriving from London Irish last summer after lifting the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship trophy with England.

He was selected for the England for the 2014 RBS 6 Nations and marked his England Saxons debut against the Irish Wolfhounds with a long-range interception try.

Watson then scored a try against the Crusaders on England's summer tour of New Zealand, was also on the scoresheet in Bath’s opening Aviva Premiership win at Sale on Saturday and has already been tipped for a bright future internationally.

“I’ve come on quite a bit, but I owe a lot to the coaching team here,’’ he added.

“I had worked with Toby (Booth) and Hats (Neal Hatley) at London Irish and they know better than anyone where they see my improving.

“When I first got called up (by England), it was a bit of a shock. I was coming in (to Bath) and working hard every day because I want to develop as a player as much as possible. First and foremost I’m a Bath player.’’

Scrum coach Hatley added: “I’ve know Anthony since he was 14 and I think he’s probably one of the most exciting young players in Europe.

“The fact that he feels content to commit and that we have locked him in, is huge.’’

Meanwhile, Hatley is prepared for a fired-up London Welsh visiting outfit as the Rec welcomes back Aviva Premiership rugby for the first time this season tomorrow (3pm).

The Exiles, promoted from the Championship last season, were thumped 52-0 at home by Exeter Chiefs in their opener last Sunday, but Hatley says no one should fall into the trap of believing they will be easy fodder this weekend.

“There will be a massive backlash and we know that they will be a hell of a lot better.

“We know they’ve got much better players than last week’s score shows.

“They were the best team in their division by a mile last season and they’ve got a good set-piece.

“The stats may all point to that (a comfortable Bath win), but we’re not expecting that.’’ London Welsh include former Bath three-quarter in their ranks.