The summer signing from Northampton Saints earned his first start in Blue, Black and White last weekend, kicking 19 points from the tee – not missing a single kick – in the 31-29 loss to Bristol Bears.

In dying embers of the match, the England international stuck his hand up to strike a drop goal with the clock in the red which unfortunately faded wide with Bath settling for a losing bonus point.

As he points out, there has not been much time to dwell on the defeat with another game just around the corner as Sale Sharks visit The Rec on Saturday.

“We’ll grow from it, and we’ll get better,” Francis said of the Bristol result.

“The nature of footy and this league is you have a day to think about it and then you’ve got to move on to the next job.

“We were back in on Monday morning and now we’re focused on Sale at home. It’s the journey we’re on and we’re looking forward to rectifying it and get a result on the weekend.”

Francis has settled nicely into life at Bath courtesy of a supportive group of teammates and staff around him.

He has played at The Rec several times with Northampton, but his opportunity to pull on a home jersey in front of the Blue, Black and White faithful is fast approaching.

“15:00 kick-off on a Saturday… you can’t get much better!” the 32-year-old commented.

“It’s really exciting for us with it being our first home game, the first home game for me personally, and we’re looking forward to it. It’s a great place to have a home because I feel it can be a fortress as it’s a difficult place to come and play. I’m really looking forward to having the crowd on my side this time!

“My parents came up for the Bristol game and this Saturday it’ll be my fiancé and the wee man – I need to get him a little shirt! It’ll be nice to have them there on Saturday afternoon and it’ll be fun.”

Francis added: “It’s been an easy transition for the family and I which is good. It has helped me settle in and try and get the best out of myself.

"As soon as I feel comfortable and gain respect, which I’ve still got to get - from the club, the players, the staff and the fans - then hopefully my game will flourish even more.

“We’re very much focused on ourselves and our process. We want to satisfy ourselves and fans with points to get us up that table.

“Let’s hope the rain stays off and it’s a good day for us.”

MATCH DETAILS - Bath Rugby v sale sharks

When: Saturday 17 September, 15:00
Where: The Rec
Competition: R2 Gallagher Premiership
Coverage: Match Centre, BBC Radio Bristol, PRTV Live
Referee: Christophe Ridley
Assistant Referees: Hamish Smales and Gareth Holsgrove
TMO: David Rose
Citing Commissioner: David Guyan

SALE SHARKS PROFILE

Formed: 1861
Stadium: AJ Bell Stadium
Director of Rugby: Alex Sanderson
Captain: Jono Ross
Finish last season: 6^th

HONOURS

Premiership: 2005/06
Championship: 1993/94
European Challenge Cup: 2001/02, 2004/05
Premiership Rugby Cup: 2019/20
Cheshire RFU Cup: 17 times from 1969 to 1997

ONE TO WATCH – TOM O’FLAHERTY

A summer signing from Exeter Chiefs, Tom O’Flaherty made a flying debut for Sale in their win over Northampton Saints last weekend. The wing scored the Sharks’ bonus-point try making it 22 Premiership tries in 69 appearances. In total at Sandy Park, he crossed 35 times in 91 Exeter outings. A clear eye for the whitewash.

TRY REWIND

Rhys Priestland kicked 11 points and selflessly sent Jonathan Joseph crashing over in Bath Rugby's 2019 victory over Sale Sharks at The Rec. Started by Tom Homer's chip and chase, Priestland and Joseph played a lovely one-two before the latter scuttled over.

TICKETS

The Blue, Black and White have three matches at The Rec in September.

Sale Sharks, Sat 17 Sep, 15:00
Wasps, Fri 23 Sep, 19:45
Gloucester, Wed 28 Sep, 19:45

We look forward to you joining us!

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Bath Rugby’s Match Preview is delivered to you by Huboo – the club’s Official Training Wear Partner. For more information on Huboo, visit www.huboo.com

Huboo Match Preview: Sale Sharks (H - Round 2)

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