Darren Allinson to return back to Bath after signing two-year deal

Bath have secured the services of scrum-half Darren Allinson for the next two seasons after he penned a new contract with the Aviva Premiership club.

The 28-year-old joined Todd Blackadder's side on a short-term loan in November last year from London Irish but has now returned back to The Exiles to fulfill his contract for the remainder of the season.

Prior, to joining London Irish, Allinson was also part of Cardiff Blues between 2007 and 2010.

Blackadder admitted that Allinson was impressive for Bath during his short stint with the club.

"We are delighted to have secured the services of a number of first team players recently and to add Darren to that list is really pleasing," said rugby director Todd Blackadder.

"He is an experienced player and a calming influence on and off the field, which will be invaluable over the next few seasons."

Meanwhile, Allinson believes his association with Bath will help him in taking his career to new heights.

"I'm really excited to be returning to Bath next year and I'm looking forward to getting a solid pre-season under my belt before the start of the new campaign," said Allinson.

"There is a great deal of competition and experience in the number nine shirt and that is something that brings the very best out of me as a player.

"The team is showing it can compete with the best and to be here for the next two years challenging for honours, it can't get any better for me."