New Milton Rugby Club’s Connor Treacey ready to tackle next step in journey after Bath contract

NEW Milton Rugby Club’s Connor Treacey – who recently captained England U18s – has signed a senior academy contract with Bath Rugby.

The 6ft 3ins back-row joined Bath at 15, when he played at centre, and has progressed through Bath’s Academy system.

The contract signing represents a significant milestone in 18-year-old Connor’s journey as he transitions from junior ranks to the senior academy set-up under the Bath Rugby coaching staff at Farleigh House.

The former Priestlands student is seen by many as a natural leader. Earlier this season, he captained Bath Rugby U18s side to the Premiership Rugby Academy League title, the first in the club’s history.

He also captained England U18s at the recent U18 Six Nations Rugby Festival.

Treacey told bathrugby.com: “Signing this contract is massive for me. Walking past some of the first team players now, knowing I’ll have the opportunity to train with them this summer and learn from them, is amazing.

“The quality of rugby coming through here at the club is really exciting. For me, there is no better club to be at than to have the opportunity to learn from world-class players like Ted Hill, Sam Underhill, and Miles Reid.”

Connor first played for New Milton Rugby Club at six, and he comes from good rugby stock. His father, Brendan, played National League Rugby for Clifton in Bristol, while his 15-year-old brother Declan plays for Bath U18s at centre.

Brendan said: “From our family’s perspective, we are very happy to see all the hard work and determination pay off.

“We were thrilled when Connor was made captain during the recent Six Nations and led the team to an unbeaten run.

“With his contract now in place at Bath, it caps off a great year for him and marks the next step in his rugby journey.”

Along with his academy responsibilities, Connor, a dual-national who has received advances from Ireland, will study at Bath University.

Brendan added: “Through all of this, Connor has remained level-headed, humble and hardworking, which is testament to his character.

“A particular highlight for us as a family this year was seeing both Declan and Connor play in the same team at Bath in the Premiership U18s – with Declan still being 15, it was a big achievement.”