Rugby, Australian Football: Ward lands new deal

Bath's exciting front row prospect Dave Ward has agreed a new contract which will keep at the Recreation Ground for at least another season.

Ward, a product of the Bath academy, scooped the man-of-the-match award in Saturday's Heineken Cup defeat by Leinster after a late injury to veteran hooker Jonathan Humphreys gave him his first start for the club.

The 19-year-old faced Shane Byrne - the current favourite to claim the number two jersey on next summer's British Lions tour to New Zealand - and overshadowed the Ireland forward.

Ward said: "I am delighted to have signed a new contract. I have been at this club since the age of seven and have come up through the minis, juniors and academy and this is where my heart is."

With a start against one of the Heineken Cup's leading sides under his belt, Ward - who has been playing for hooker for less than a year after starting his career in the back row - wants more first team recognition.

Sportinglife