Bath go into the game off the back of a narrow 16-17 defeat against last year’s quarter-finalists Ulster Rugby and Boyce is focused on picking up points on the road.

Boyce said: “It (Ulster) was a tough one to take because we were proud of the performance we put in, we were just gutted not to get the result at the end. The team played really well and played tough, but I think in the final moments, Ulster were the better team. I thought it was unbelievable from their winger (Jacob Stockdale) to get back and save that pass to Roko at the end. We’re just now looking ahead and focused on Harlequins this weekend.

“In Europe you don’t have a lot of games to play and only a certain number of points you can rack up. This weekend we’re going for that win – we know it’s not going to be easy, but we’re definitely going to give it our best and go with the mentality of getting those points.”

The loosehead prop spent two years with Paul Gustard’s side before making the move to the West Country over the summer. Whilst admitting it’s going to be strange going up against some familiar faces, Boyce is ready for the challenge in front of him.

“It’s going to be a weird one, but in my own personality it’s not something I focus on, it’s just another game. I’ll just go there and do what I do and so will the team. I’ve got a good few mates there with Marcus Smith and Francis Saili and a few of the other guys, so it will be strange being in the other changing rooms, but an experience I’m looking forward to.

Boyce is in stiff competition for the number one jersey, but the 23 year-old believes that the depth of competition will only drive standards across the board.

“Good competition in training keeps you sharp and definitely brings the best out in players when you’ve got that. With Lucas Noguera, Beno Obano, Will Vaughan and the other looseheads, there’s that competition, but you can also learn a lot from them as players too.”

Boyce ready for Harlequins test

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