Jason Bass signs one-year contract with Eagles

05/11/2021

Sheffield Eagles are delighted to confirm the signing of Jason Bass on a one-year deal.

The versatile outside back joins the Eagles from Championship rivals York City Knights.

Bass, 25, whose first spell in professional rugby league came at Coventry Bears, expressed his excitement after his move to South Yorkshire was confirmed.

“I’m really pleased,'' he said.

“Coming from Leicester, Sheffield is the closest club to me, I’m excited to be at the Eagles. 

“It’s got a great history, and I can't wait for the challenge.”

The 25-year-old has enjoyed three years with the Knights but admitted attention from Eagles Director of Rugby Mark Aston was too hard to turn down.

“I had a sit down with Tubbs (Mark Aston), he explained what he wants from me and where he sees the club going and he sold it to me,” Bass added.

“He’s a nice bloke, he’s intelligent, and he loves rugby league and that’s what you want from your coach.”

A winger by trade, Bass confirmed after sporadic shifts in different positions with York that he will play anywhere for the team.

“I’ve always said I don't really mind where I play as long as I'm on the field,” he said.

“In this past year I’ve played winger, centre, full-back and even at hooker.

“I fancy myself best in the outside backs but if someone wants me to run in the middle for a bit I'm happy to do that!”

The former England Students’ international is also looking forward to taking to the Olympic Legacy Park field once the stadium is fully completed, saying: “To be able to make a mark and be the first people in a new stadium is exciting and I can't wait to play there,”

“I want to play some good rugby and cement myself in the starting side, that’s my personal goal.

“We haven’t sat down and spoken about it yet but every club would be lying if they said they weren’t aiming for the play-offs and for promotion.”

Eagles chief Mark Aston is pleased to secure the services of Bass, a player who has shone brightly when playing against Sheffield.

“I have been impressed when he’s played against us and when I’ve watched his games back,”  Aston said.

“He has got a bit of versatility, he’s strong and he carries the ball really well. 

“I am delighted with him. He is a good kid that wants to improve and establish himself as a top Championship player. 

“He has been with a big club, that is what York are, and he comes to us wanting to become a starter. 

“He has a good personality and he fits the bill regarding the hard-working culture that we want around the place.”

By Lewis Coleman