The back row recalls of running out in The Clash at Twickenham and wins that have gone by as positive memories, but he has also been part of some tougher occasions too.

It is a head-to-head that causes conversation more than most and one the squad are eagerly anticipating.

“There has been a response in training which is needed,” Reid said following last weekend’s defeat to London Irish.

“Everyone is fired up for Friday. Under the lights at The Rec is everyone’s favourite game to play and it’s a big game we’re all really looking forward to.

“You feel the buzz in the city building up to it. People walk around the city in their Bath shirts and the atmosphere builds from the start of the week.

“It’s a game that has meant a lot more to me over the years. It’s massive! It’s a West Country derby with bragging rights against a good team. It means a lot to me and all the boys here.”

Over the past couple of games Bath have seen the likes of Beno Obano, Will Stuart and Quinn Roux return from long-term injuries while this week’s injury update cleared Tom de Glanville, Jaco Coetzee Ewan Richards and GJ van Velze for selection.

Reid notes the raised intensity in training which will hopefully stand the squad in good stead as the remaining rounds of the season commence.

“Training has stepped up in intensity this week as people are returning from injury, some who haven’t stepped on a rugby pitch for a long time.

“They are chomping at the bit and the competition has stepped up which will only push us forward.”

MATCH DETAILS - BATH RUGBY v BRISTOL BEARS

When: Friday 24 February, 19:45
Where: The Rec
Competition: R18 Gallagher Premiership
Coverage: Match Centre, BBC Radio Bristol, BT Sport
Referee: Matthew Carley
Assistant Referees: Ian Tempest & Gareth Holsgrove
TMO: Rowan Kitt

BRISTOL BEARS PROFILE

Formed: 1888
Stadium: Ashton Gate
Director of Rugby: Pat Lam
Captain: Steven Luatua
Finish last season: 10th

HONOURS

European Challenge Cup: 2019/20
RFU Championship: 1998/99, 2004/05, 2015/16, 2017/18
Anglo-Welsh Cup: 1982/83
British & Irish Cup: 2010/11
EDF Energy Trophy: 2003/04
Anglo-Welsh Merit Table Winner: 1965/66, 1971/72, 1973/74
RFU South West Merit Table Winners: 1979/80, 1980/81, 1981/82

ONE TO WATCH – HARRY RANDALL

After injury kept him out of the autumn internationals, Randall returned to club rugby for the first time in almost three months in January. He was key in Bristol's latest win at home to Newcastle as he scored two tries and was thorn in the Falcons' side. The scrum-half loves to snipe, tap and go quickly and also has a good range of passing.

TRY REWIND

There is nothing like a bit of drama in the derby to make bragging rights ever so sweeter! Tom de Glanville crossed for a try with the clock in the red to seal victory for Bath over Bristol last season.

join us at the rec

The next three matches at The Rec are:

Bristol Bears, Fri 24 Feb, 19:45
England U20 v France U20, Fri 10 Mar, 20:00
Exeter Chiefs, Sun 26 Mar, 15:00

We look forward to you joining us!

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Bath Rugby’s Match Preview is delivered to you by Huboo – the club’s Official Training Wear Partner. For more information on Huboo, visit www.huboo.com

Huboo Match Preview: Bristol Bears (H - R18)

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