England wing Anthony Watson is one of four players to have agreed contract extensions with Bath.

Second rows Charlie Ewels and Elliott Stooke and prop Nathan Catt have also signed new terms with the Premiership club, but it is Watson who is the key member of the quartet to be retained.

The 24-year-old British & Irish Lions wing, who can also play full-back, is in his fifth season at the Recreation Ground.

An automatic selection by Eddie Jones when fit, his England career has stalled this year due to repeat Achilles surgery and he is not expected to make his comeback until the midway stage of the Six Nations.

“Anthony is a role model to our players with his work ethic and commitment to the club,” Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder said.

“He’s currently out with an Achilles injury but that has not stopped him working tirelessly with our medical team to ensure he gets back to the field performing at the levels he expects of himself asap.”

Back rows Taulupe Faletau and Zach Mercer, wing Semesa Rokoduguni and prop Beno Obano recently signed new deals at Bath.