Captaincy a dream for stand-in Bayliss
Josh Bayliss never expected it to happen by the tender age of 20. But the back-rower has already had the honour of captaining the first team at Bath Rugby. He is no stranger to leadership. He was the first-team captain at Millfield School and has led Bath United many times. Last Saturday against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park was different, though. When Matt Garvey was replaced at half-time due to a neck injury, Bayliss took over to lead the team in the Premiership Rugby Cup. “At the time it was all hands to the pump, but reflecting on it now it’s something I’m unbelievably proud of,” he said. “I could have never dreamt that that would have been a possibility – to captain a Bath team. “It’s crazy, to be honest with you. I’m not the most confident or outgoing person, so my style of leadership is different from some. “I try to set an example rather than being over-confident or asking guys to do stuff that I’m not doing myself. “You’ve got to be prepared to do everything you’re asking of your team-mates. “I’m so lucky here that there’s so many natural leaders to learn from.” One area where Bayliss leads by example is his line speed in defence. There are not many players as relentless or quicker in pressuring the opposition than the former England under-20 international. He has even run the risk of being – or appearing – offside because he is often ahead of his team-mates, especially late in the game when others might be flagging. “That’s something I really enjoy doing,” added the man who has now played six, seven and eight for the club. “But I don’t think I’m too quick by any stretch.” Bath haven’t won in six, are bottom of Pool 1 in the cup and are looking to get a positive result before the Premiership resumes at home to Worcester Warriors on November 17. Newcastle Falcons on Friday night (7.45pm) at Kingston Park won’t be easy though – Bath haven’t won there since 2015. “It would be nice to go back into the Premiership having had a really good result away,” added Bayliss, who has been shortlisted for the breakthrough player award for this year’s competition. “Newcastle are always a strong team. We know they like to hold on to the ball. “They play a really abrasive style and I think we’re prepared for that and ready for the challenge.” General manager Stuart Hooper, who will be in charge of the coaching team again, added: “It’s very different to what Newcastle used to be – going up there on a Friday night and it was a bit of a mud bath and you had to slug it out. “With the 4G surface up there now they play a really good brand of rugby. They’re willing to attack and hold on to the ball. “But conditions like the wind still do play a part. Up there, if you can get ahead early it’s a tough place to chase the game. We’ll be looking to have a good start.”