Out of favour Engand wing Cokanasiga to stay at Bath

Blockbusting England winger Joe Cokanasiga has committed his future to Bath as he bids to battle his way back into contention for the national side.

Rumours linking the winger with leaving the club have now been quashed with Bath confirming that the hulking winger had committed his ‘long term future’ to the struggling Gallagher Premiership outfit. He joins Sam Underhill, Cameron Redpath, Tom Dunn, Will Stuart and Ben Spencer in extending his time at The Rec.

The 6’4, 112kg winger has been in fine form this season, scoring four tries in nine Gallagher Premiership matches to date.

Despite featuring in the Autumn, Cokanasgia has however found himself surplus to requirements under new England head coach Steve Borthwick, who has left him out of his wider Guinness Six Nations squad. Debuting in 2018 against Japan, Cokanasiga has scored 12 tries in 14 Test matches, adding to his 21 in Bath colours.

“There are goals I still want to accomplish here,” said Cokanasgia. “I really want to mark my time at the club by winning trophies; that’s a big ambition of mine.

“A lot of change has taken place over the past few years, but this season I’ve found consistency in my performances. I feel I’ve positively contributed to the club’s progression and I’m excited by what’s to come in the next chapter.”

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan lavished praise on the towering speedster, saying: “Joe has been excellent for us this season and we’re delighted he will be staying with us.

“He has great physical attributes which he uses to great effect, and his offloading ability in contact has provided us with fantastic attacking opportunities. He is an exciting player for us and we have no doubt he will continue to be an integral member of our squad.”

Next season he will be joined by Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell, who agreed to join the Gallagher Premiership side from Racing 92 last year.