TOBY Booth says new second row recruit Elliott Stooke fits the perfect profile for Bath Rugby as they look to build a squad intent on sustained success.

This week, the club confirmed Stooke will move to The Rec from West Country rivals Gloucester for the 2016-17 season.

The 22-year-old has represented England throughout the age groups and was called up by the England Saxons in January 2014.

“We have previous knowledge of him from watching him and him playing against us. He’s done exceptionally for Gloucester and we’re delighted to have him,” said first-team coach Booth.

“He likes the rough stuff, he always puts a shift in, and he wants to be a second row and just a second row.

“With his age, he fits the profile of the type of player we want here in our squad as we want to keep them together for a long time.

“You need to strike that balance and blend of youth and experience.

“We’ve added someone like Luke Charteris, who has a lot of stuff in the bank, we’ve got some excellent young guys coming through in Charlie Ewels and Tom Ellis, and then people like Matt (Garvey) and Dave (Attwood), who are somewhere in the middle.

“We know our captain can’t go on for ever. Some of the performances Stuart (Hooper) has put in this year have been unbelievable but we know he’s not like an Andrea Pirlo and will still be there at 40.”

Stooke has made nearly 70 appearances for the Cherry and Whites since his debut in the 2012/13 season and has impressed with his hard work and influential play both in the tight and the loose.

He said: “It’s been a hard decision to make, but I’m really excited about the move to Bath.

“They’re an ambitious club, and the coaches work incredibly hard to help develop each individual player at the same time as making sure the team is growing.”

“It’s a hugely talented squad to join up with, and it is a great environment for a young player like myself to be part of.”

Meanwhile, Dominic Day and fly-half Rhys Priestland have been named in the Wales squad for the Six Nations.

Future Bath players Luke Charteris and Taulupe Faletau, who will head to The Rec for the 2016-17 season, have also been selected by Wales coach Warren Gatland.

Back-row ace David Denton has been included by head coach Vern Cotter in Scotland’s 35-man squad.