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Search forFlatman signs two-year contract extension
Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 12:55
Following yesterday's news that fellow forward Peter Short had extended his contract by two years, Flatman has also put pen to paper to remain with Bath at least until the end of the 2010/11 season.
"I am delighted to be staying at Bath Rugby for another two years," said Flatman.
"I am over the moon. There is nowhere else I wanted to play, hence my desire to put pen to paper quickly without going to the open market in January.
"The club offered me a deal I was happy with, so it was very easy for me to accept."
Having been hampered with shoulder and Achilles injuries in recent seasons, it is of little surprise that the prop's ambitions for the next two seasons are simply to stay fit and build to the level of performances that have often been the cornerstone of Bath's successes since his arrival at The Rec in 2003.
"For me, my ambition is really to stay available for Bath as much as possible," said Flatman.
"I have played a lot this season and am fully fit, but Steve Meehan is really taking player welfare seriously and is putting David Barnes in for a couple and me in for a couple – simply to keep our bodies fresh."
The ex-England loosehead prop has started 59 games for Bath and come off the bench 15 times.
"I'm sure the whole squad will be happy to learn of David's contract extension," said head coach Steve Meehan.
"He has experienced the highs and lows that rugby has to offer, is a player who consistently enforces the standards expected of all Bath players and is regularly offering advice to aid our younger players.
"To put it simply, Flats is good bloke and top professional. It's great that he has chosen to pledge his future to us."
Forwards coach, Mark Bakewell echoed Meehan's sentiments, saying: "A fit David Flatman is one of the most destructive looseheads in Europe and at 28 he can still press for representative honours.
"Twelve months ago he was up against the ropes with injuries, but thanks to the fine work of many around him and his never-say-die mentality Flats is back and we are lucky to have him."
David Flatman is tackled during the Bath Rugby v Newcastle Falcons Guinness Premiership fixture at the Recreation Ground, Bath, March 11 2006. Bath won 20-18 with a try in the final minute. Photograph by Jon Mills
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