Matt Banahan is one of six players to sign a contract extension with Bath © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Matt Banahan | Ryan Caldwell | Nathan Catt | Carl Fearns | Lee Mears | Ben Williams

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: Bath Rugby | England

Bath have given their fans an early Christmas present by extending the contracts of six of their players.

Centres Matt Banahan and Ben Williams, second-row Ryan Caldwell, prop Nathan Catt, flanker Carl Fearns and hooker Lee Mears have all agreed new deals with the west country outfit as they seek to push on from their mid-table position in the second half of the season.

Bath are currently seventh in the Premiership table following five wins and five losses from 10 matches and head coach Gary Gold believes the six players will help the club realise their ambitions.

"These signings represent a huge declaration of intent from our playing squad," Gold said. "We put a real emphasis on taking care of our current players and their contracts, so we are very happy to have completed these deals in such good time.

"That these guys were all keen to stay and be a part of what we are trying to achieve here at Bath says an enormous amount for the club. They are all outstanding individuals as well as outstanding players, so it's fantastic news that they will all be wearing the Bath jersey for seasons to come."

Well the world was suppose to end, but guess what it didn't and I re-signed at bath mega happy lets keep moving forward #bathfamily

— matt banahan (@mattbanahan1) December 21, 2012

Thanks for all the messages just shows me what a great club this is, and to all the people back home, good to still have ur support!!!!

— Ryan caldwell (@Ry_caldwell) December 22, 2012