Blackadder can’t wait to let Attwood off the leash at Bath

HARD-TRAINING Dave Attwood is ready to be “unleashed” back on the Premiership, says excited Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder.

Attwood returned to the West Country for preseason after a successful four-month loan at Toulon, a spell which saw the former England forward gain praise for his performances in both the Top 14 and the Champions Cup.

His Bath team-mates say Attwood has returned to the club with his passion for the game “reignited”. The lock headed to the south of France to recharge after long-running issues with knee cartilage left him emotionally exhausted.

Blackadder said: “When I first came in, Dave played the first seven or eight games and he was just massive for us.

“It’s the impact he has – the difference he makes to our set-piece is just huge.

“He played really well for Toulon and we’re really excited to have him back. He’s training so hard. I can’t wait to unleash him.”

Attwood’s fellow Bath lock Charlie Ewels says the benefits of Attwood’s sojourn in France has been plain to see during preseason.

“Dave hadn’t been outside the Bath environment for five or six years before he want to Toulon and in a way it’s reignited his love for the game,” Ewels told TRP.

“He’s experienced a different culture, a different way of playing the game and training. He’s brought that knowledge back to Bath and I personally believe he’s a better player for it.

“He knows what he’s good at and what his game is.

“Once the Premiership starts again I can’t wait to see him bringing his dominance in collisions.

“Dave’s spoken quite a bit. It was right for him to go to Toulon. He’d be the first to admit he’s learned from those experiences and is a better player for it.”