The young contingent of the squad have been maintaining their rugby, making appearances in the BUCS Super League and heading out on loan in the Championship. The likes of Archie Stanley and Sam Harris have become Team Bath regulars who are certainly making their mark in the university league.

From their appearances in the Premiership Rugby Cup, Tom Carr-Smith and George Worboys have earned spots in numerous Gallagher Premiership matchday squads.

Returning from a three-match ban after being cited during Bath's match against Northampton Saints, Dave Attwood returns to the pitch to offer his experience and knowledge to the young team.

Looking ahead to the challenge this weekend, the second row reflects on how things are starting to gel for the Blue, Black and White.

"The team that's playing every weekend in the Gallagher Premiership is starting to churn out some good results. Even with the games we've lost within one or two points.

"There is a high bar to get back into the team and the Cup is a good opportunity for all of us to hold our hand up.

"All we've been able to do is focus on trying to get our basics pretty spot on, look after the ball at the breakdown, try and play sensibly around the field and look after our set piece.

"As the focus has really drawn in on that, those areas have started to come together. You start to see results go our way and hopefully over the coming weeks we can build off that momentum, those finer points, those structural pillars put in place and we can start building the wider game."

Having left the club for a spell at West Country rivals Bristol Bears, of his return to Bath, Attwood said: "Part of the reason why I came to Bath was the youth of the squad and the opportunity that I would be able to help build some of these guys for the future.

"A collective performance shows everyone in the best light and I think there's a great opportunity for me to lead by example but also to look after some of these guys when it gets a bit frantic and pull them in and hopefully get them playing the right sort of rugby."

Match details

When: Saturday 26 November, 15:00
Where: Sandy Park
Competition: Premiership Rugby Cup
Coverage: Match Centre, BBC Radio Bristol
Referee: Harry Walbaum
Assistant Referees: Simon Adams & Ian Bibey

exeter chiefs profile

Formed: 1871
Stadium: Sandy Park
Director of Rugby: Rob Baxter
Captain: Jack Yeandle & Joe Simmonds
Finish last season: 7th

honours

RFU Championship: 2009/10
Courage League: 1995/96, 1996/97
LV Cup: 2013/14
Anglo-Welsh Cup: 2017/18
Champions Cup: 2019/20
Premiership: 2016/17, 2019/20

try rewind

The last time these two teams met was last season in the Gallagher Premiership, England international Joe Cokanasiga scored a try as the clock ticked over the ten-minute mark, assisted by fellow England teammate Sam Underhill.

tickets: join us at the rec

Bath Rugby v Harlequins (GP, R12) - Friday 2 December, 19:45
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Bath Rugby v Newcastle Falcons (GP, R14) - Saturday 31 December, 15:00

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