England centre Lawrence signs 'long-term' Bath deal

Ollie Lawrence has become a consistent starter for Bath and England

England centre Ollie Lawrence has signed a new "long-term" contract with Premiership leaders Bath.

The 25-year-old joined the club in October 2022 following the demise of former club Worcester and at the Recreation Ground under under director of rugby Johann van Graan, Lawrence has developed into one of their most consistent performers.

He has made 44 appearances for the club, scoring 16 tries, and has become a mainstay of Steve Borthwick's England's midfield having initially struggled for form under previous head coach Eddie Jones.

Lawrence is due to win his 32nd cap for his country in England's Six Nations opener against Ireland on Saturday.

He said his time at Bath has helped him "grow as a player on and off the field".

"I believe we have so much potential within this group and I'm excited for what we can achieve over the next few seasons," Lawrence said.

In October, Lawrence was named as one of the 17 players to receive the new English rugby players Enhanced Elite Player Squad contracts from the Rugby Football Union.

This season he has played the full 80 minutes in nine of Bath's 11 Premiership games, only missing two when away on England training camps.

"Ollie has been magnificent for us, not only this season, but since he first joined the club. He has established himself as a starting international player," said Van Graan.

"I love the way Ollie has improved as a player and as a person whilst at Bath. We are excited to see Ollie continuing his journey with us and his best is definitely yet to come."

Lawrence is the third Bath player to confirm new terms with the club this week after prop Beno Obano and second row Quinn Roux.