SHAUN Knight says he is already chomping at the bit for next season after putting pen to paper on a permanent deal at Bath.

Prop Knight originally joined the club on loan from Welsh side Newport Gwent Dragons back in late September but will now remain at The Rec on a full-time basis until the end of the 2017/18 campaign.

The 27-year-old, who started his career with hometown club Gloucester, has been restricted to eight appearances in Blue, Black and White so far and hopes to lay down a marker ahead of the start of the next campaign.

“I’m very pleased to sign a permanent contract. It is what I was aiming for when I first came here on loan so it’s nice to get that sorted and have the coaches show that bit of faith in me,” said Knight.

“I was playing catch-up for a month or two when I first came here but I’ve worked hard and I feel like I’ve improved, so it’s nice to get that reward.

“I know I am going to be here for the rest of the season and next season as well. It’s great to have that little bit of extra security for the next 18 months so I can just focus on improving my game.

“I have had a few appearances already and I’ve managed to play in every competition.

“I would like to get a few more before the end of the season but I know we’re getting towards the business end of the season now so I will just bide my time and then look to really hit next season flying.”

Although his opportunities have been somewhat limited so far, Knight says he has relished the move east along the M4 and thinks the set-up at Bath can take his game to new heights.

“They are some of the best coaches I have worked with and it doesn’t matter if you are squad member 45 or in the matchday 23 every week, they give you the same amount of time to try to work on your game,” said Knight.

“There are a lot of good players here so there’s competition in every position, every week and I think that’s only going to help us as a squad.”

South African hooker Michael van Vuuren has also signed a new deal with the club until the end of the 2018/19 season.