Bath recall Redpath for European quarter-final
CAMERON Redpath will make his first appearance since the start of the Six Nations in Bath Rugby’s European Challenge Cup quarter-final against London Irish this evening.
Redpath has been sidelined since suffering a neck injury when making his Scotland debut in their Calcutta Cup win over England on February 6.
The 21-year-old inside centre was outstanding for the Scots at Twickenham and now makes his eagerlyawaited comeback.
Jonathan Joseph returns at outside centre as Bath, who beat Zebre in Italy in the last round, make six changes for the all-English clash at the Recreation Ground, among them captain Charlie Ewels’ return from a one-week suspension.
Half-backs Ben Spencer and Orlando Bailey are paired together for a third successive match as Rhys Priestland continues to nurse a hamstring injury.
Argentina prop Facundo Gigena makes his Irish debut as director of rugby Declan Kidney keeps changes to a minimum for the last-eight showdown.
The rivals clashed in the Gallagher Premiership as recently as March 27, with the Exiles emerging 36-33 winners on home soil.
“Playing a team twice in three match weeks provides a unique challenge for both sets of players,” Kidney said. “We both know each other well, so it will be interesting to see how the players adapt to the styles of play.”
Bath Rugby: A Watson; J Cokanasiga, J Joseph, C Redpath, R McConnochie; O Bailey, B Spencer; B Obano, J Walker, W Stuart, J McNally, C Ewels (capt), T Faletau, J Bayliss, Z Mercer. Replacements: J du Toit, J Schoeman, H Thomas, M Williams, M Reid, W Chudley, M Clark, A Gray.
Owen Farrell has been named Saracens captain on a permanent basis to fill the vacancy created by Brad Barritt’s departure from the StoneX Stadium.
The England skipper has made a total of 201 appearances since his debut for the club in 2008, and will now be at the helm in their bid for an immediate return to the Gallagher Premiership.