Anthony Watson is hopeful Bath can uncover a new generation of Aviva Premiership Rugby fans this season as rugby newcomers find a passion for the sport.
Watson, who made his international debut for England against New Zealand in November 2014, is convinced just one taste of watching Bath at the Recreation Ground this season will see fans hooked forever.
Already in his fledgling career, Watson has played at some iconic venues all around the world but the international flyer insists the Rec is not just a great rugby stadium but also a world class sporting facility.
"I think the Rec is probably one of the most special and iconic sports grounds in the whole of the UK - potentially even the whole of the world; it's a special ground," he said.
"It's a special atmosphere and the fans are always out in force week-in-week-out - it's great to be able to play for them and to represent the city of Bath. I can still remember the first game of rugby I watched at the Rec and being amazed at how many quality fans there were out there in full voice - it has always stuck with me."
"I also remember the first Aviva Premiership game I played in, it was an anniversary fixture against Leicester Tigers. It was extra special and we won the game. It was a moment I will never forget."
The Bath wing's interview was part of a new campaign from Premiership Rugby and Aviva to welcome new supporters to Aviva Premiership Rugby this season.
Watson is one of 12 club ambassadors - including Chris Robshaw, Danny Cipriani, James Haskell, Schalk Brits and Courtney Lawes – who are backing the 'Aviva Premiership Rugby First Timers' campaign.
As part of the campaign Aviva and the Premiership Rugby clubs have teamed up to give away almost 2,000 free tickets across every game in the first seven rounds of Aviva Premiership Rugby matches, from the start of the season right up to Christmas.
With rugby in England in the spotlight like never before, these tickets can only be claimed by supporters who have never been to an Aviva Premiership Rugby match.
Games available include the opening round clashes – Harlequins v Wasps, Worcester Warriors v Northampton Saints, Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester Rugby, Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs, Saracens v Sale Sharks and London Irish v Leicester Tigers.
Watson may be about to embark on his greatest rugby adventure yet – on the world stage - but the winger still remembers his journey to the sport's elite.
The Bath man feels rugby is not a closed shop like other sports and allows promising youngsters to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and realise their dreams on the grandest stage of them all in an England jersey.
"I started at four or five years of age playing tag rugby at Effingham in Leatherhead," he added. "I can still remember my first contact session and that's when I really fell in love with the sport."
The Aviva Premiership Rugby First Timers programme will give away almost 2,000 free tickets across every game in the first seven rounds of Aviva Premiership Rugby matches, from the start of the season right up to Christmas. Fans are encouraged to tell friends and family who have never been to a Bath Rugby fixture before to visitwww.premiershiprugby.com/avivafirsttimers now to sign up for their free tickets.
