Walker heads south to join Bath Rugby

Bath Rugby is pleased to confirm the signing of promising young English hooker Jack Walker from Yorkshire Carnegie next season.

The 19-year-old was part of the England U20 squad that won the Junior World Championship title two years ago, alongside Bath Rugby Academy products Charlie Ewels and Tom Woolstencroft.

In 2013, at 17 years and 160 days, Walker became the youngest forward to appear for Carnegie when he featured against Bristol Rugby in the IPA Greene King Championship. He also became the club’s youngest captain at 18 years and 256 days when he led the side against London Scottish early last year.

Walker said: "I'm really excited about moving to Bath next season. I've spent all my formative years here in Yorkshire and they've been the making of me, especially in my development at Yorkshire Carnegie where I've been able to test myself in the Championship. Now is the time for me to take the next step in my career, and I'm confident I've got what it takes to succeed with Bath."

"Jack has shown some impressive abilities at this early stage of his career," said Head Coach Mike Ford. "He's been entrusted with a leadership role at a young age and thrived, which bodes well when he comes into an environment like ours where we like to give players responsibility."