Underhill set to be in mix for titanic tie
Sam Underhill looks set to be in the selection mix this week ahead of Bath’s titanic Champions Cup encounter with French giants Racing 92.
The England international flanker was withdrawn late in the day from Bath’s squad to face Gloucester on Sunday in the West Country derby, but the Blue, Black and Whites’ head of rugby Johann van Graan has confirmed the big-hitting backrower is on the verge of a playing return as his side look to secure their place in the last 16 knockout round of the Champions Cup.
After two wins in the pool stages before Christmas, beating Ulster at home and Cardiff away, victory over Top 14 leaders Racing would likely ensure Bath will have a home game in the knockout rounds which has been van Graan’s target for the competition all along.
Speaking after Bath’s 17-10 victory over the Cherry and Whites in the Premiership, to move back to third in the league table, just three points behind leaders Northampton, van Graan said: “Sam Underhill is very close, a few weeks ago he had a training ground ankle injury but he was close to playing this weekend.
“We were training on Friday when we had to announce the team, we knew it would be touch and go but he couldn’t finish that training session, it was 50/50 for this week but he will most likely be involved against Racing.”
Underhill is also likely to be named in England’s Six Nations squad which will be announced on Wednesday.
The flanker was named man of the match in his last appearance for the national side in the bronze medal game at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, beating Argentina 26-23, and the 27-year-old has continued that form in club colours when fit.
Bath lost South African number eight Jaco Coetzee to a shoulder injury on Sunday, but generally the English side head into the match against the Top 14 leaders with plenty of options in every position.
Van Graan said: “We have got a pretty healthy squad. If you look at the next three weeks in isolation - Racing at home, Toulouse away and then Bristol away - we have got a massive challenge ahead of us.
“I don’t want to big up these games because it’s all about expectations and we haven’t set any big goals only about getting better
“Europe is very important I love the Champions Cup and we did the work in December to get 10/10 points. The next two oponents, Racing and Toulouse, are the best of the best and we have everything to gain.
“Then it’s Bristol away after a sixday turnaround so it will be tough but every squad is under pressure we have put ourselves in a great position so we will enjoy these next few weeks.”