World Cup-winning fly-half Stephen Donald believes Bath understudy Tom Heathcote has what it takes to become England’s play-maker of the future.

Heathcote, who turns 20 next week, yesterday put pen to paper on a three-year deal at The Rec, with fellow prospect Kane Palma-Newport also signing a new contract.

Having risen through the All Black age groups before picking up 23 caps for his country, Donald knows better than most what it takes to become an international stand-off.

He believes Heathcote, who is set to play in England Under-20s’ Six Nations opener in Glasgow tomorrow, has the temperament, skill and pluck to make it to the pinnacle of world rugby.

“Tom’s well beyond his years,” said Donald. “He’s already well down the path of where he needs to be.

“Physically he’s already there and now it’s all about him getting experience. He’s a cool cat – not much fazes him. He’s got a good head on him.

“Tom’s not flash, he’s not up himself, he’s just a good boy who’s going about his work, as you should do at his age.

“I’m sure he’s got a huge future and I wouldn’t be too surprised if there’s international stuff in his career. He’s already started Heineken Cup games and to have done that at his age is impressive.”

Heathcote, an undergraduate at the University of Bath, has scored 78 points in 13 appearances for Bath this season, having made his debut at Kingsholm against Gloucester.

On signing his new contract, the teenager said: “I’m very happy to be staying for another three years at Bath.

“It is a very exciting time for the club and I want to be involved in achieving the ambitions the club has. It is the best place for me to continue my development as a player.”

Palma-Newport, meanwhile, has signed a two-year deal at the Rec.

The 21-year-old tighthead prop, who made six appearances for Bath before going on loan to Championship side Leeds Carnegie, said: “Bath is the club I love and I’m really looking forward to the next few years.

“Being a Bath lad, there is no other place I’d rather be and the amount of talent coming through at the moment is a testament to the coaches who got me here.”

It has been a week of good news for the club’s fans, with full-back Nick Abendanon signing a fresh deal and Wasps hooker Rob Webber also confirming his move to the Westcountry.

In the short-term, Bath’s LV= Cup prospects have been bolstered by the release of Davey Wilson, Lee Mears, Dave Attwood and Matt Banahan from the England Elite Performance Squad.

Bath travel to Exeter on Sunday needing just a losing bonus point to guarantee a home semi-final, but will be targeting a clean sweep of victories in Pool One.

“The atmosphere at Sandy Park is always competitive,” said Bath first-team coach Brad Davis.

“It’s Bath versus Exeter, it’s a south west derby and both sides will want to put in a good performance.”