Neal Hatley is licking his lips at the wealth of talent on offer as Bath United prepare for Monday's Aviva A League semi-final against Sale Jets.
Forwards coach Hatley was tasked with taking charge of this year's A League campaign, owing to his rich and successful Academy background.
Before moving to The Rec he was part of the London Irish setup that produced Alex Corbisiero, Marland Yarde, Anthony Watson and plenty more.
Two seasons ago Bath United finished rock bottom of the Southern Conference without a single win but Hatley has got the whole squad firing this year.
"Bar the stars like Nick Abendanon and Gavin Henson, Will Spencer has been absolutely outstanding," he said.
"Ollie Devoto and Tom Heathcote have been excellent and Tom Dunn is getting better and better with every game.
"Tom Ellis and Charlie Ewels have been ever-presents in the second row and apart from just being part of a good pack they have had lineout-calling responsibilities placed on them, which they have taken on brilliantly.
"Richie Lane has been injured for a while but he was incredible in the game against Saracens. He provides a bit of a spark.
"We are very pleased, especially with the way we have played. We have played five games and got four bonus point wins. Not just the wins but the manner of the wins has been exceptional."
Tickets for the match are free and Hatley is hoping to see a large turnout at The Rec on Monday night to cheer the side on as they search for their first A League title.
With recent finalists including Harlequins, Exeter Chiefs and Saracens, it would appear A League success directly translates to more of the same in the Aviva Premiership.
"The sides that have done particularly well – you look at Exeter over the last couple of years and Harlequins have been particularly successful in it and the same could be said for Saracens," added Hatley. "It is a good indicator of the depth of the squad.
"Sometimes those fringe players and young players have not had the opportunity to put their hands up. The club, for all the right reasons, places a massive importance on it.
"We are always confident in the games at home but once you get into the semi-final stages you are up against the best sides in the competition."
