Bath Rugby are gearing up for a pivotal Champions Cup clash against Edinburgh Rugby on Friday, with a potential double selection boost that could prove decisive in topping Pool 2.
Currently leading Pool 2 after impressive victories over Munster and last weekend’s away win at Castres Olympique, Bath hold just a slender one-point advantage over Edinburgh, who visit the Rec this weekend. Securing first place in the pool would guarantee Bath a home venue for both the round of 16 and the quarter-final stages.
In Tuesday’s midweek press conference, Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan provided a positive injury update. England flanker Sam Underhill and centre Ollie Lawrence have returned to full training after missing the Castres trip due to knocks sustained in the narrow 33-26 win over Exeter Chiefs a week earlier.
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“Sam and Ollie have just completed their training session and are both available for selection,” van Graan confirmed. “Ewan Richards and Charlie Ewels remain sidelined but there are no new developments.”
Richards is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained against Newcastle in December, while Ewels has been out since early December due to a leg infection. However, Ewels has been seen around Farleigh House this week, off crutches and in good spirits, though his full recovery will take more time.
Van Graan added: “It’s encouraging to have Charlie around the training ground again. We also had Will Stuart visit this week on crutches for the first time since his Achilles injury, moving around with assistance.”
While Sam Underhill looks set to feature on Friday, Scottish international back-rower Josh Bayliss remains a doubt due to stiffness, with a final call on his availability expected later in the week.
“We came through pretty well against Castres,” van Graan said. “Josh has a bit of stiffness, so we will assess him closer to the match, but nothing new to report at this stage.”