Homegrown Bath Rugby duo Orlando Bailey and Max Ojomoh have signed two-year extensions with the Blue, Black and Whites.
The pair, who have both risen through the club’s pathway together, have been rewarded for their fine form in 2021 and become the latest in a long line of local talent to graduate from Senior Academy to the Senior Squad.
Both westcountryman started playing with each other at the age of 14, rising through the Bath ranks together.
The pair further have deep roots within the club that they play for. Orlando Bailey has supported Bath his whole life. Whereas, Ojomoh’s followed in his fathers footsteps in playing for Bath. Steve Ojomoh played fro Bath and England in the 1990’s.
Orlando Bailey was selected as part of Eddie Jones‘ 42-man Six Nations training squad in January.
“I have supported Bath since before I can remember,” Bailey told the club website.
“I have learnt so much in my first 18 months here and look forward to growing more as a person and player in the seasons to come.
The Dorchester born fly-half continued: “I love the city and the group of players here and I am desperate to push on and achieve big things in the future as a squad that is a relatively young squad now.”
Ojomoh, who was chosen in the England squad last summer after just six appearances for Bath, has played in every Premiership match this season. He is an inside centre, a potential solution to a position which has been a headache for the England head coach Eddie Jones this season, but is eager to expand his portfolio.
Last week, Ojomoh told The Rugby Paper that his dads fame was no burden on him.
“I’m truly happy to re-sign here for another two years,” the centre said.
“This is my hometown club; I’ve come up through the Academy here and to be given a lot of game time this season to show what I can do has been a blessing.
“With the quality of players and staff here, it was an easy decision to extend my time at a club I love. With the recent changes at the club, I believe we are building towards a bright future which I’m excited to be a part of.”
Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper said: “To have two young, talented pathway players commit their future to the club is extremely significant.
“Orlando and Max have both been given their opportunity over the past year and have taken it with both hands. Their work ethic has been incredible, their attitude has been exemplary, and they have pushed hard for selection every week. That is a credit not only to them but to the pathway coaches who have helped develop them to this stage of their career.
“They have both been involved in international camps and have proved their worth. We are thoroughly looking forward to them continuing their journey in Blue, Black and White.”
Academy Manager Craig Lilley added: “The end goal for us as an Academy is to ensure boys graduate to the senior squad and add value by not only the way they play, but how they are as people and the influence they have on the younger players coming through the pathway.
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