Bath Rugby's Josh Ovens out to turn up the heat

Josh Ovens is confident he will get the chance to shine on his return to The Rec after spending a season on loan at Bristol.

Bath Rugby sent the flanker out to gain regular playing time and he was one of the star performers in helping Bristol top the RFU Championship regular season standings last term.

However, Bath showed their continued commitment to the 23-year-old by tying him down to a new contract in March.

And despite a change in the club's management over the summer, Ovens believes new head coach Gary Gold will reward his improvement with first-team action.

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"I learnt a lot at Bristol and playing every week is a massive benefit," said Ovens.

"Sometimes at Bath I'd play a United fixture but then wouldn't get any game time for a month. That would be really frustrating but Gary has made it clear that everyone will get their chance.

"He's told us all he wants us to be involved. Maybe some coaches haven't had that attitude in the past but we can already see Gary has faith in all of us.

"There are so many good players in the back row here that the competition for places drives everyone on but the youngsters know they are there to put the rest under pressure."

Ovens marked his Bath comeback as a second-half replacement for Carl Fearns during Saturday's 30-23 Aviva Premiership success over Wasps.

Only injury prevented his return to action sooner but, now fully fit, he is ready to hit the ground running.

"It was great to be back out there but it's just a shame it took so long due to having an injury in pre-season," said Ovens.

"I had fluid between my metatarsals and every time I took a step it hurt. Hopeful I've got it all cleared up over the summer.

"Every season I just want to play as much as I can. If I work hard and the coaches believe in me, I know I will get the opportunity to do that here."