Devastating circumstances have presented a new opportunity for the 23-year-old who impressed on debut for Bath Rugby against Gloucester before signing a long-term contract at The Rec.

He has closed the curtain on undoubtedly the toughest period of his career, but during that time grew with his Warriors teammates, became a leader and handled the situation with utmost maturity.

"It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions," he said, talking honestly at the club’s midweek media session.

"I’m still living in Worcester and commuting back and forth. Until I move up here, I don’t think it will fully sink in. I don’t think it ever will to be honest.

"None of us saw what happened coming and that was the scariest thing. It put into perspective for people that they need a backup plan, whether that is how they invest their money or having qualifications to do something else.

"Unfortunately, we are in a situation where a lot of boys will be out of the game for potentially a long time. Some boys might retire, that might be the last time they play a professional game. That is the saddest thing about it all."

With a keen eye on the future of his friends he played alongside at Sixways, Lawrence is settling into new surroundings at Farleigh House, helped by knowing a number of the squad including close friend and ex-England Under-20 centre partner, Cameron Redpath.

He has seven caps to his name and has aspirations to get back in the white jersey. He believes being at Bath will aid his development and aims of doing just that.

“I really believe in Johann’s vision for the club," he said.

“I’ve got quite a few friends here and it’s a really good group of lads. It’s worked out for me and it’s every I believe in and want to play towards.

"Being in this environment, being in a different team, with different players and different coaches is only going to be better for me in my career. I am looking forward to seeing where we can take things as a squad and hopefully my own game will improve with that."

Bath head to Saracens on Saturday looking for their first win of the season, but progression was shown against Gloucester with the Blue, Black and White proving defensively sound in the second half, not conceding a point. Admittedly, that is - or was - not enough.

Lawrence added: “We need to stay in the fight, slow Saracens’ momentum and put in a full 80-minute performance which is something we haven’t managed to do yet.

“We know where we are as a team and what we want to strive towards. We want to keep building on performances and something will click for us over the next couple of weeks.”

JOHANN VAN GRAAN REFLECTS ON FIRST FIVE ROUNDS

MATCH DETAILS - SARACENS V Bath Rugby

When: Saturday 15 October, 15:00
Where: StoneX Stadium
Competition: R6 Gallagher Premiership
Coverage: Match Centre, BBC Radio Bristol, PRTV Live
Referee: Luke Pearce
Assistant Referees: Craig Maxwell-Keys & John Meredith
TMO: Claire Hodnett

SARACENS PROFILE

Formed: 1876
Stadium: StoneX Stadium
Director of Rugby: Mark McCall
Captain: Owen Farrell
Finish last season: 2nd (runner-up in the final)

HONOURS

Premiership: 2010/11, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19
Championship: 1988/89, 1994/95, 2020/21
Champions Cup: 2015/16, 2016/17, 2018/19
Anglo-Welsh Cup: 1997/98, 2014/15
Middlesex Senior Cup: 1971/72, 1975/76, 1979/80, 1985/86
Premiership Rugby Sevens: 2010, 2018, 2019

ONE TO WATCH – THEO MCFARLAND

A man who has taken the Premiership by storm. Theo McFarland made a name for himself in his debut season in England, helping Sarries reach the Premiership final on their return to the top flight. With a professional basketball background, his skills have been transferable as shown with his one-handed line-out takes and excellent offloading. Adding to that, the hybrid-forward, who can play at lock or blindside flanker, has great physicality, defensive prowess and fantastic speed.

TRY REWIND

Oh Rokoduguni! He had some special moments in his Bath Rugby career but this try against Saracens really lives long in the memory.

His second in this game wasn't bad either so we've chucked that in too!

TICKETS: join us at the rec

Next three at The Rec:

Bristol Bears, Wed 19 Oct, 19:45 (Premiership Rugby Cup)
The Double Header! Northampton Saints + Bath Rugby Ladies, Sat 22 Oct
Leicester Tigers, Fri 11 Nov, 19:45

We look forward to you joining us!

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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: Saracens (A - Round 6)

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