Josh Bayliss will live that dream this weekend for Bath Rugby as he will hit a century of appearances in Blue, Black and White.

The back row debuted for the club whose Academy he rose through in 2016. Since then, he has shone on the Premiership stage and earned international honours with Scotland.

Humble as ever, Bayliss would rather the focus be on others and as he previewed the upcoming match against Exeter Chiefs, he talked up the teammates around him.

"We're blessed with our back row talent and the variety of styles,” he said.

“We have some great players who I’ve been able to learn from over the years and it gives us the ability to change it up on the pitch and play different people when we have different challenges in the game.

"If I'm on the pitch, I'm happy whether I'm playing six, seven or eight. If I'm not, I'm doing all I can to get on it, or help the guys that are going to go out there.”

Christmas Eve opponents Exeter enjoyed two positive rounds in the Heineken Champions Cup.

The Chiefs saw off Castres away from home before defeating the Bulls at Sandy Park.

Their style has been clear for all to see over the years and Bayliss admits Bath will need to be at their best to “combat that”.

“They're really good at what they do and they don't deviate from their plan. We'll have to work extremely hard to combat that.

“We know they're going to want to keep hold of the ball for long periods of the game. There'll be periods when we're in defence and we're going to have to back up sets on sets and that's something that really excites me in an opposition like Exeter.

"We started so well against them last season and had a great first half but they came back into it which was gutting because we really put ourselves in a position to win that game.

“You get to push yourself both mentally and physically for long periods of the game. Whoever wins that battle comes out on top in the end.”

match details - Exeter Chiefs v Bath rugby

When: Saturday 24 December 2022, 15:00
Where: Sandy Park
Competition: R13 Gallagher Premiership
Coverage: Match Centre, BBC Radio Bristol, PRTV

Exeter Chiefs Profile

Formed: 1871
Stadium: Sandy Park
Director of Rugby: Rob Baxter
Captain: Jack Yeandle
Finish last season: 7th

HONOURS

Champions Cup: 2019/20
Premiership: 2016/17, 2019/20
Anglo-Welsh Cup: 2013/14, 2017/18
RFU Championship: 2009/10
EDF Energy Trophy: 2005/06
National League 1: 1996/97
National League 2 South: 1995/96

ONE TO WATCH – JOE SIMMONDS

Often the conductor of the orchestra, Simmonds has been a leading Premiership fly-half for a number of seasons. He helps Exeter tick and is vocal in arranging his pack and backline. His kicking game is strong from hand and tee, with the Chiefs Academy graduate kicking 34 points this term.

TRY REWIND

A bit of back row magic saw Sam Underhill link up beautifully with Josh Bayliss to score a wonderful try on the wing at Sandy Park.

TICKETS: JOIN US AT THE REC

Next three matches:

Newcastle Falcons, Sat 31 Dec, 15:00
Toulon, Sat 14 Jan, 15:15
London Irish, Sat 18 Feb, 15:00

We look forward to you joining us!

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Huboo Match Preview: Exeter Chiefs (A - R13)

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