International duo return
Scottish international flanker Josh Bayliss and winger Ruaridh Mcconnochie made their return from long-term injuries as Bath United beat England U20s 42-33 at Shaftsbury Park on Saturday.
Bayliss made his first appearance of the season on Saturday after recovering from a thigh injury he suffered in pre-season that required surgery.
England international Mcconnochie, who was switched allegiances to train with Scotland last season, returned from a shoulder injury.
Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan told the Bath Chronicle: “Saturday’s game means we have now played 23 games in 21 weekends, and the theme of making the whole squad better has been so important for us and we are looking at a long-term squad development plan.
“Josh Bayliss played 40 minutes, used some brilliant feet down the right touchline and we took him off at half time as it was his first full contact session.
“He will be available next weekend to face Racing.
“Ruaridh came back in and worked so hard after his shoulder injury against Sale which initially looked really bad and we treated it conservatively.
“He got a blood injury in the first half but came back on and played 65 minutes and is also in contention for selection this week so our squad is actually pretty healthy.”
The club have confirmed flanker Ted Hill is aiming to return to action in March following surgery on his leg in October, while fellow back-rower JJ has undergone ankle surgery and is expected to return in early May.
Further down the pecking order, young duo Harvey Cuckson is also targeting a May return after the lock suffered a shoulder injury whilst with England U20 at the U20 Rugby World Championship in the summer and number eight Ethan Staddon is recovering from an ankle fracture.
The club side showed their prowess in the warm-up game for England U20s ahead of their Six Nations championship, scoring tries through Austin Emens, skipper Ewan Richards, Louie Hennessey, George Worboys, Ieuan Davies and were awarded a late penalty try. Worboys added ten points with the boot from five successful conversions.
England finished the game strongly, with Saints outside centre Toby Cousins crossing in the first half before tries two tries from Gloucester replacement back Ioan Jones, and scores from Harlequins duo Lucas Schd and Zach Carr made it a tight encounter, with winger Sean Kerr kicking four conversions for eight points.
Elsewhere, Bath Rugby U18 beat Exeter Chiefs U18 34-29 on Saturday in the Premiership Rugby ACE League.