YOUNG lock Charlie Ewels has extended his contract at Bath Rugby, the club have confirmed today.

Ewels, a product of the Bath Rugby Academy, made his senior debut at the age of 19 during a European Rugby Champions Cup tie away at Glasgow Warriors early in the 2014/15 season.

He made the step up from Academy to first team in summer 2015 after captaining England U20s to runners-up spot in the World U20 Championship Final, having previously played a key role in the title-winning team a year earlier.

Ewels is currently on tour with the England Saxons in South Africa, with the 21-year-old helping the team make a winning start last Friday against South Africa A in a match that saw him partner club-mate Dave Attwood in the second row.

Ewels said: “I know that I’ve still got things to accomplish here with Bath, so it didn’t take long for me to make my decision.

"I’ve got a big summer ahead of me with the England Saxons, then I can’t wait to get back into pre-season with Bath and gearing up for the new season.

Bath first-team coach Toby Booth added: “Extending Charlie’s stay with us is a very positive move. He’s a top-quality player with a big future ahead of him, and he is an important part of our long-term plans here at Bath.

"He’s fronted up repeatedly for us in the pack, often against much older and more experienced players, and the fact that he has captained our first team as a teenager is testament to his leadership qualities.”