Bell and Grewcock sign new Bath Rugby contracts
The club announced tonight that Bell has penned a new two-year deal, while Grewcock will prolong his career until the end of the 2010-11 campaign and then remain at The Rec in a new player development role after that.
Prop Bell, 35, was recalled by England during the autumn internationals and has made just shy of 160 appearances since signing for Bath in 2003.
“I am very passionate about Bath Rugby and I always have been,” said Bell.
“Bath was a team that I always wanted to play for and I have been here seven years now so I am absolutely over the moon to be staying.
“It hasn’t been our greatest season so far, but we have got the processes in place to build, achieve our goals and get back on top,” added the tighthead.
“I want to be here for as long as I can. I want to win things and be part of something special. I know that things are pointing in the right direction with the coaching staff and off the field to achieve that.”
Former England and British Lions lock Grewcock, meanwhile, joined the club nine years ago and has made 195 appearances in blue, black and white since.
The 37-year-old is also a key ambassador for the Bath Rugby Community Foundation and works tirelessly for charity.
He said: “When you play professional rugby, you can often be seen as just a rugby player.
“But, as a member of Bath Rugby we all have a duty to the Bath community and the wider community as a whole.
“I don’t think that our jobs start and finish on the rugby pitch and I am really pleased to be part of a club that has such a well established community department as well as a squad to be proud of.
On his future off-the-field role with Bath, Grewcock added: “It is great to be in the unique position where I can do what I love, play rugby, and also be able to help the development of some of the younger players in the club.”
Bath head coach Steve Meehan is delighted that the experienced pair have agreed to extend their respective stays at The Rec.
"Duncan had a very good 2009 playing many matches for Bath and winning an England recall,” said Meehan.
“He is a strong and destructive scrummager and has a very good feel for the ball.
"We are all pleased that a player with his experience and skills will be remaining with the club as we all work hard to get back to being one of the most successful and exciting teams in the league."
He added: "Danny is one of our most respected players, a model professional who does a terrific amount of work in the community and great example for our younger players.
“Grewy's decision to remain with the squad reflects that he is still enjoying the game and sees a bright future for the team.
“We will be drawing on his experience over the years to come in what we see as a very important appointment for his and the club’s future."
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