His loss was an immeasurable blow to the Lions cause, and his impact since he has returned to training with the club has been similarly invaluable.

This is a very important game for both sides. A game against Bath has always been one of the biggest in the Premiership - our home match against them at the Causeway Stadium earlier this season was a tough one - and added to that, they must have taken a lot from their recent success in reaching the knock-out phase of the Heineken, which we failed to do. Also, it's good to see Brian Ashton back with them, and we know that in facing a team of his we will be asked questions, both tactically and technically.

The enthusiasm and experience he can share with other players has already had an impact since he returned to full training a couple of weeks ago, and his leadership and physicality on the pitch will be a massive plus.

We are a little unsettled due to injuries and face an Edinburgh team in form - they have lost only once at home since Christmas 2004.

The impact that he has, and will continue to have on the teams that he plays with, cannot be underestimated,

We are easing him back into the game situation slowly from the bench.