Andrew Higgins to face Bath Rugby in sevens

Former Bath Rugby back Andrew Higgins will come face-to-face with his former team-mates when he runs out for Exeter Chiefs for the first time tomorrow.

Higgins is poised to be named in Exeter's squad for the JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series when it is announced later today, the Chronicle understands.

The 29-year-old was banned by the RFU for nine months last August after refusing to take two drugs tests following Bath's infamous post-season party in May 2009.

Prior to that Higgins, along with Michael Lipman and Alex Crockett, had terminated their contracts with Bath on the eve of a club disciplinary hearing.

After receiving the RFU's ban, Higgins headed to France. In January he met up with some of his old team-mates in Paris after Bath's Heineken Cup match with Stade Francais. But he will be reunited with them on the pitch tomorrow, when Bath and Exeter play each other in the new 7s series.

"I'm always a little bit nervous in a good way before I play so I imagine it will be no different tomorrow," said Higgins.

"I put expectation on myself, I don't think too much about other people looking on and what they are saying or thinking."

Both sides have been drawn in Group C of the inaugural competition, alongside Gloucester and Northampton Saints.

All fours sides will play each other at Franklin's Gardens, with the first match kicking off at 7.30pm.

A trio of young backs all tipped for big things at The Rec are set to feature for Bath.

Academy scrum-half Chris Cook, fly-half Paul Roberts and outside back Nick Scott are all set to be named in Bath's squad alongside a small number of first-teamers.

The winner and runners-up from Group C will go forward to the finals at The Rec on Friday, August 6. Saracens, Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks have already booked their places.

Bath will confirm their squad at midday today. See www.thisisbath. co.uk/bathrugbynews for details.

To book tickets for the final of the JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series at The Rec, visit www.bathrugby.com or call 0844 448 1865.