Ulster Rugby vs Bath

TODAY'SOPPONENTS SAMUNDERHILL – ONTHEOPENSIDE

Sam Underhill expects a strong challenge from the Ulster as the flanker commits his future to Bath Rugby. The Bath Rugby and England man recently signed a new three-year extension ahead of the West Country outfit’s European Champions Cup match against Harlequins last week and is looking forward to the challenge Ulster Rugby will bring at Kingsholm Stadium today. “Obviously Ulster have had a great run in the European Champions Cup and I’m sure will be challenging for a quarter-final place. They’ve had eight of their squad called up to the Ireland squad for this year’s Guinness Six Nations so that demonstrates the strength in depth they have. “We have a very young squad with huge potential – we’ve got a long way to go but that is something to look forward to,” said Underhill. “We’ve only lost by a few points in our last three clashes against Ulster so I know the lads will be fired up to go out there and put in a good performance. We haven’t had a great run in Europe this year but some of the matches have been really close and we’d definitely like to end on a high at Kingspan.” On extending his stay at Bath Rugby, the England star said: “I’m really excited to have re-signed with the Club for the next three years. We’ve had a new set up this season and I’m impressed with how everything is gelling together so far. “I’m looking forward to see how things continue to develop. We have a young pack and some really promising youngsters coming through our Academy pathway, which shows how strong the programme is. Added to the experience we have, it’s a good blend in the squad. Upon signing his new deal, the 2019 Rugby World Cup Finalist revealed his reasoning for staying in the West Country and what he wants to achieve in the future. “I want to be a part of something special with Bath Rugby. I want to help the side realise our

potential because it is all well and good talking about having a promising young squad, but you have got to realise that potential for it to mean anything. Underhill continued: “I want to help get the side to a place where we are playing consistently and helping the Club in whatever role I can to play consistently well and that’s all I want to achieve. That may come with winning trophies, but it may not, so I just want to be able to realise that potential that I have and whatever the Club has too.” The destructive back row forward is keen to make progress and help build a team that will start to realise its potential this season. He said: “Europe is done for the season, there is no shying away from that fact. What is important is what we decide to get out of the remaining match today against Ulster. Every game is an opportunity to get better as a team so we will certainly take that and use it. It’s down to having pride in the Bath jersey, which is ultimately what we all have – we all desperately care. “There is nothing to play for in terms of group position and qualifying but there is a lot to play for in representing the Club, representing each other and getting better together as players. I think if we perform well together and improves as a squad and a team, we will find ourselves on the right side of the score line. “For myself, if I am playing well for the Club then that ties in well with everything. I want to contribute whatever I can to the side, ultimately with the aim to win the Premiership, be in the mix for the European Cup and winning regularly.”

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