'Kamikaze Kid' Underhill signs contract extension at Bath

Sam Underhill – one half of Eddie Jones’ so-called Kamikaze Kids in the England back row – had committed his future to Bath for the next three years.  

The 23-year-old emerged as a global star at the recent World Cup in Japan, his destructive breakdown partnership with Sale’s Tom Curry a vital component in helping England reach the final where they were eventually beaten by South Africa.

Now he has given the fledgeling Stuart Hooper regime at Bath a massive vote of confidence by putting pen to paper and staying at the Rec.  

“I’m delighted to have re-signed with the club. I’m excited about my future with Bath. It’s a club that has a lot of potential. It has been a new set-up this year and I have been impressed by how everything is gelling together.

“We have a very young squad with huge potential and we have a long way to go, but that is something to look forward to and I very much want to be a part of it. 

(Continue reading below…)

“We have a young pack and some really promising youngsters coming through the pathway and added to that a bit of experience. It’s an exciting blend in the squad.”

A fresh deal for Underwood wasn’t the only development at Bath on Friday as the club also confirmed Jack Walker and Max Wright have agreed to similar three-year extensions.  

Hooper said: “These three young men committing their futures to the club is a huge statement of intent. They are all English qualified and determined to succeed in Bath colours. 

“Sam has developed with us and gone on to become one of the best flankers in the world, getting to a World Cup final and performing. 

“Combine that with the attributes, attitudes and behaviours of Jack Walker and Max Wright, it is these types of players and these types of commitments that will allow us to become the team that we know we are capable of being.”

WATCH: RugbyPass have made something truly special with the Barbarians rugby team – the release date is Sunday, January 12