WHEN Bath rake over the ashes of a season they will not be in a hurry to look back on, they will detect slivers of silver that will only increase in value.
A chronic injury list meant they have given earlier and more opportunities to players who have emerged from their academy, such as Orlando Bailey, Max Ojomoh, below, and Ewan Richards, a second row who turned 20 earlier this month.
Richards, capped by England at U18 and U20 level, may be 6ft 6ins and more than 17st, but he has featured four times at openside flanker this season, including the victory over Harlequins when he was denied a try to the astonishment of the TV commentators after taking two defenders over the line with him.
“It has been a great season for me as an individual but not for the team,” said Richards, who made his debut against Quins last season and has made 14 appearances in all competitions this campaign. “A few years ago, not many youngsters got a chance but it shows how well the academy system is working.
“At the start of the season, my aim was to get on the pitch, whether that was with Bath or out on loan. I never expected to have made as many appearances as I have and I have loved every moment.
There are so many young players who have been given their chance and that can only be good for the club going forward.”
Richards is living his dream having first come to the Recreation Ground as a five-year-old with his father to watch Bath, supporter turned player.
“Dad has supported Bath all his life and for me to play in front of The Rec and my parents is special, something that is hard to put into words.
Having so many home grown players being given a chance sets an example to the community.
“This season has not gone as we wanted, but the future looks good. We want to finish it as well as we can and take that into the new campaign. We cannot win anything, but we do not want to finish bottom. New coaches are coming in and it will be a big pre-season.”
Richards was part of England Grand Slam-winning U20s last season in 2021 and he played at the end of this year's tournament having missed the start of it to play for his club.
“It was good to represent my country again and play with lads my own age,” he said. “The level of rugby is totally different from the Premiership, but it was refreshing to step back into that environment even if the results were not as good as last year.
“That was a tough period for all young players because Covid meant there was not much chance of playing. Some lads did not have a game for nearly two years. That is tough in a professional environment where you have to make a name for yourself but can only train, not play.”
Richards used to scrutinise Danny Grewcock and Dave Attwood when he was watching from the stand at the Rec, two England second rows who established a big following at the club. Attwood is returning from Bristol in the close season.
“There was no one player I looked to model my game on,” said Richards. “I enjoyed watching Attwood and Grewcock, along with Eben Etzebeth. Dave will be here next season and he will be a good mentor for young lads like me. His experience will be something I embrace.
“It has been a breakthrough season for me but I want to I push on and keep starting for Bath. To play for England is the dream for every player, but my focus is on improving and learning from the experienced players we have here like Charlie Ewels, Sam Underhill and Will Stuart. They keep pushing me.”
Richards has had as many starts in the back row as the second row this season, but he sees his future as a lock who can play on the blindside.
“I had a go at seven out of necessity and it was good fun,” he said. “Pace is one of my strengths and versatility is an asset. Wherever I play, I will give everything.”
