Francois Louw will turn down offers from South African teams and opt for a contract extension at Bath, believes the English club’s head coach, Gary Gold.

By Tom Bradshaw

The Springbok flank, who will start for South Africa in Saturday’s Test against Ireland, is currently half-way through a three-year deal with the Premiership side.

Former Springbok assistant coach Gold is confident his star player will sign a contract extension, despite interest from Super Rugby franchises.

“I’m sure there will be pressure for him to go back home but I’m confident we can retain him,” said Gold. “I don’t think retaining Francois is a problem.”

Louw joined Bath for the 2011-12 season from Western Province and has become one of the club’s most consistent performers since making his debut following the World Cup.

Last season, Louw became Bath’s stand-in skipper in the absence of injured club captain Stuart Hooper.