Underhill playing for a Lions call-up

Gatland will be watching from the stands when Bath take on Montpellier tonight

SAM Underhill will reach his half-century of Bath Rugby appearances knowing a strong performance against Montpellier this evening could secure a place in the British & Irish Lions squad.

Warren Gatland will be watching the Challenge Cup semi-final from the stands at the Recreation Ground just five days before he names his 36-strong party for the summer series against South Africa.

Anthony Watson and Taulupe Faletau also start and look certain to be picked by Gatland, but Underhill would certainly benefit from a timely reminder of his destructive power as a big-hitting flanker, having missed the Six Nations due to a hip injury.

The England back rower plays in a ferociously competitive position where the Lions are populated with a number of high-quality options.

Bath won the Challenge Cup in 2008, while Montpellier followed in their footsteps in 2016. The Blue, Black & Whites have won both of their previous meetings, in 2006-07.

Montpellier are currently enduring a troubled season and occupy 12th place in the French Top 14, forcing them to battle to avoid a relegation play-off match.

“What’s important is that there is a real desire in this group to win a trophy for themselves,” Bath boss Stuart Hooper said. “With that comes the history but, much more importantly, it’s a motivation about what they can achieve together.”

Yesterday, Hooper’s men received news of an added incentive to win the tie against Montpellier following confirmation that the final will be held in England and in front of fans

European Professional Club Rugby

and the Rugby Football Union have confirmed that Twickenham will host the 2021 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals, with a limited number of fans, in line with the UK Government’s roadmap to recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Up to 10,000 spectators will be able to buy tickets for each game, with the Challenge Cup decider scheduled for Friday, May 21 (8pm), and the Champions Cup final going ahead on Saturday, May 22 (4.45pm).

The finals are subject to approval the London Borough of Richmondupon-Thames.

RFU chief executive and EPCR board member Bill Sweeney said:

“We’re looking forward to seeing up to 10,000 fans back at Twickenham for these finals and are delighted to be chosen to host the fixtures.

“This is an important part of plans for the return of fans to stadia.”

Bath Rugby: