Tom de Glanville made his return to competitive Bath Rugby action against Glasgow Warriors as the Blue, Black and White suffered a narrow defeat in Round 1 of the EPCR Challenge Cup.
The full-back picked up a hamstring injury earlier in the season before appearing against the Barbarians in November, and then earning a start at full-back last weekend.
After building his way back to full fitness with the medical team, he can’t wait to put his best foot forward for his team with the next stop being Toulon.
“It’s much easier to play than it is to watch!” de Glanville said.
“It was a frustrating period for me getting the injury a couple of games into the season; I was just sort of finding my feet.
“It always takes a game to get back into the swing of things so hopefully I can get a good run in the side and really contribute to the team.”
A penalty was all that split Bath and Glasgow at The Rec in the European opener and with the opportunities created, it could have easily gone the way of the hosts.
De Glanville insists the squad have worked on putting away the opportunities that come their way ahead of the visit to Toulon’s Stade Mayol – one of his first trips to France to play.
“There were a few execution bits against Glasgow that we’ve looked to fix this week. If we had sorted those things out the result may have been a different story, but we have to accept that and look forward to Toulon.
“I’ve never been there and I’m excited for the experience as I’ve never really played in France so I can’t wait. There will be no better way than going to their ground and putting our marker down in European rugby.”
MATCH DETAILS - TOULON v bath rugby
When: Saturday 17 December, 13:00 GMT / 14:00 CET
Where: Stade Mayol
Competition: EPCR Challenge Cup R2
Coverage: Match Centre, Viaplay
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (ITA)
Assistant Referees: Alex Frasson (ITA) & Franco Rosella (ITA)
TMO: Stefano Rochini (ITA)
TOULON PROFILE
Formed: 1908
Stadium: Stade Mayol
Head Coach: Franck Azéma
Captain: Raphaël Lakafia
Finish last season: Runners-up of EPCR Challenge Cup
HONOURS
European Rugby Champions Cup: 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15
Top 14: 1930/31, 1986/87, 1991/92, 2013/14
Challenge Yves du Manoir: 1934, 1970
Rugby Pro D2: 2004/05, 2007/08
ONE TO WATCH – DAN BIGGAR
A fantastic servant for Northampton Saints over the years, fly-half Biggar moved to Toulon midway through the current campaign. The 100-plus capped Wales international has proved himself as a leader, a talented ball player and precise kicker and has over 3,000 points to his name in club and international rugby. Biggar has twice toured with the British & Irish Lions, earning three Test caps.
TRY REWIND
It took just 45 seconds for Beno Obano to crash over in a stunning personal display against Toulon for the prop!
TICKETS: join us at the rec
Next three at The Rec:
Newcastle Falcons, Sat 31 Dec, 15:00
Toulon, Sat 14 Jan, 15:15
London Irish (Foundation Day!), Sat 18 Feb, 15:00
We look forward to you joining us!
