Eight back, but Hape set to miss out

BATH will welcome eight players back into their squad for this weekend's friendly clash with Llanelli Scarlets – but Shontayne Hape is again set to miss out.

The summer signing from Bradford Bulls is still being troubled by the minor knock which forced him to miss last weekend's 15-7 win over Ulster.

He could, however, play a part in the second match at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, the United XV game against Redruth which kicks off at 4.30pm. The seniors' clash with Llanelli gets underway at 2pm.

Bath head coach Steve Meehan said: "We are keeping an eye on Shontayne day by day, and if he is fit to play by the weekend there is always the second trial against Redruth.

"If there is no risk of further damage, and if he is feeling good, then he will be involved. If not, he will have to wait again."

Those coming into the squad after missing Friday's clash in Belfast are England quartet Lee Mears, Matt Stevens, Michael Lipman and Nick Abendanon, last season's top try-scorer Matt Banahan, fit-again winger Andrew Higgins, scrum-half Mike Baxter and flanker Jonny Fa'amatuainu.