#5. Tyler Offiah
Explosive winger Offiah, who made his England U18s debut earlier this month at the U18 Six Nations Rugby Festival in Italy, joins Bath Rugby’s Academy from the youth set-up at London Irish.
Son of rugby league great Martin ‘Chariots’ Offiah, the Wellington College youngster has already shown promise in his position through his pace, power, and try-scoring ability.
Offiah said: “For me, since a young age it’s been about staying consistent and keeping that routine. On days even when I’m not at training I still work on my game, doing repetition drills such as passing off both hands and being prepared to work hard and do things that others aren’t prepared to do.
“Signing my first professional contract, making my England debut, these are things that mean so much to me and I am really happy to be where I am on my rugby journey.”
#6. Austin Emens
The speedy back has caught the eye of the Blue, Black and White coaches with his excellent performances for the University men’s 1st XV in the national BUCS Super Rugby league. He has also enjoyed a breakthrough at international level having made his GB Rugby 7s debut in December.
“I’m really happy and proud to sign for Bath Rugby,” said Emens, who is in the third year of a Business degree at the University.
“I didn’t really expect this opportunity. I joined the University for the academic side of things, it was the best course for me, but I obviously also knew that rugby was a big part of life here and I knew the links to Bath Rugby were there too.
“The last couple of months have been a bit of a whirlwind – signing for Bath and playing for GB7s has all come at once – but it’s good fun and I’m really glad I have these opportunities. They are what I’ve wanted and worked for.”
Of adding Emens to his squad, Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, said: “I am really happy to welcome Austin on our journey. I have seen some real talent in Austin’s play and I’m looking forward to seeing how he develops over the next number of years.”
Emens, who was playing 3rd XV rugby two years ago, is the second University of Bath student during the BUCS Super Rugby era to earn a contract with Bath Rugby, following the signing of hooker Tom Doughty in 2018/19.