Bath Rugby League, for which several Frome rugby players normally play for during the so-called off season, has a new co-owner.

The governing body of Spain, Asociación Española de Rugby League will be co-owners at Bath, thought to be a first in the sport.

España Rugby League have similar ambitions to Bath and want to support the club grow and develop interest in Rugby League across the Bath and surrounding area and create mutual player pathway opportunities.

Chris Chatten, Club Coordinator, Bath Rugby League, said "I started speaking to the Spanish Rugby League a few months ago and it became clear there was a shared vision regarding the potential for the growth of the sport in and around Bath. We are at the very beginning of an exciting new period in the clubs history."

Bath Rugby League were founded in 2017 and have competed in the West of England for the last three seasons. They won the Championship Final in 2018 and were one of a few clubs to be granted a couple of pilot open age fixtures in autumn of 2020 to aid the governing body in testing Covid secure matchday protocols but unfortunately these fixtures were cancelled as the country entered a second lockdown in November.

Reflecting on their involvement with Bath Rugby League, Dean Buchan, President, España Rugby League, said: "We're excited to be joining Bath Rugby League and to begin this new chapter with Chris. Over the last few years Chris has created a solid foundation that will allow us to support him as we aim to take the club and sport forward in Bath together.

España Rugby League have been looking to invest in a community club as part of our player development pathway since last summer and we chose Bath Rugby League due to the work Chris has already done and his realistic vision and ambitions for the club that with our support will see Rugby League thrive in the Bath and surrounding area in the years to come."