Bath Rugby kick-start their Heineken Champions Cup campaign against Ulster Rugby at the Rec and the 28 year-old knows exactly what to expect from last season’s quarter finalists.

McConnochie said: “We have done a lot of homework on Ulster and they are a really proud rugby club. They have a great history in the Champions Cup and last year they were so close to getting through to the semi-finals.

“We have looked at how they play their game and they have some great threats across the pitch. They have a great pack, but they also have a great nine and ten partnership with their kicking game, so we have to be alert in all of our areas. We need to be focused on ourselves and look at how we can get better as a team.”

Despite being on the other side of the world representing his country in Japan, McConnochie was able to keep himself up to date with Bath’s early season form, which included Saturday’s victory over Northampton Saints.

He continued: “We are coming off the back of a great result last weekend against Northampton Saints and our forward pack have been seriously dominant in the last few weeks.

“Once we get on the front foot and the back, we have at our disposal here at Bath Rugby is incredible, so we just need to keep playing the way we are currently then we stand a good chance.”

It has been a whirlwind 12 months or so for the Bath flyer having made the seamless transition from the sevens circuit into the Blue, Black and White. The Olympic silver medallist scooped three awards at the Annual Awards Evening before being parachuted into Eddie Jones’ squad for the World Cup.

A try scorer against USA, McConnochie admits it was an unforgettable experience representing his country on the biggest stage.

He added: “The Rugby World Cup was everything I could have wished it was and more. The culture out there was incredible, the people were so welcoming and being in the squad that reached the final was incredible. It was and unreal experience.”

“It’s great being back here with the boys and everyone here at Bath Rugby. The weather is taking a bit to get used to though.

“I don’t think I was prepared for how cold it is, but I am loving being back and really looking forward to playing against Ulster this weekend.”

Limited tickets are available for the game by clicking here or you can call the Ticket Office on 01225 536 900.

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