LEE Mears' progress from promising youngster to understudy to Bath Rugby hooker Jonathan Humphreys has earned the 24-year-old a new two-year Rec contract.

Mears established himself as regular No 2 to Welsh international Humphreys last season, making 18 appearances (16 as substitute), his most since joining the club from Colston's School in 1998.

Bath are expected to make Samoan back row Isaac Feaunati, released by Leeds, their fifth signing of the summer, while prop Simon Emms, a Bath front-row colleague of Mears' last term, has signed for National League One outfit Orrell.