Underhill out short-term

England flanker Sam Underhill is set for just a short spell on the sidelines according to Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper.

The 24-year-old flanker only has 22 caps but is widely recognised as one of the best backrow players in the world, such has been the impact of his performances in an England squad.

However it was announced he had withdrawn from England’s Six Nations squad with a hip injury sustained in Bath’s 52-44 defeat to Wasps Rugby.

Discussing the status of Underhill’s injury, Hooper said: “It is obviously disappointing news for him but I think the outlook is positive. We are talking weeks more than anything else.

“For sure he should be back before the end of the Six Nations, the initial reports suggest that.

“He picked up the injury against Wasps and it has probably been a bit of a niggle for him but he was assessed by the England medics this morning [Tuesday] and the decision was made. I think he has been in great form, he has delivered some top performances.

“We know Sam’s destructive ability he has got on both sides of the ball now, with carrying and defence. I think like with everyone else it has been disjointed and he has not had the opportunity to go week to week which sets him in a good groove.

“This sets him back a bit but he is back with us to be treated and we will work with him, as we do with all of our players, to get him back fit for Bath Rugby and then Eddie’s job is to pick his England team.

“Obviously, they have a slightly different system this Six Nations, but as we have seen even before the tournament starts there are chances for people to be called up with injury.

“Our relationship with Sam is to be able to get him back and fit as quickly as possible and if Eddie picks him from that then that is because Sam is one of the best flankers in the world.”

Underhill was never set to feature this weekend against Bristol Bears with England players away on a training camp, but Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau and Scotland centre Cam Redpath will both be in contention to feature.

Hooper revealed new South African fly-half signing Tian Schoeman, who arrived at the club just last Tuesday as Bath’s Farleigh House training ground was shutdown over fears of a Covid breakout which proved to be unfounded, is not up to speed yet to be able to be named in a matchday squad.

Hooper said: “He is available but he still has bit to do. He came over and had two weeks in isolation and we want to get him up to speed and match sure he knows the way we want to play the game. He is available but he won’t be in the mix this weekend.”