Bailey: I'm just happy to get on and play

ORLANDO Bailey is happy to do whatever it takes to fulfil his dream of becoming a Premiership winner with Bath.

- JON NEWCOMBE

Bailey has started 35 Premiership matches for his only senior club and despite all of them coming at fly-half, the 22-year-old would be equally happy having a 12 or 15 on his back if it means Bath are successful.

Last season Bailey was a stranger to the No.10 jersey until April when Bath’s principal playmaker, Finn Russell, was sidelined with a significant groin injury.

“I have always enjoyed playing across the backline, there were a couple of games last season where I played 12 and Finn was 10,” Bailey said. “I do enjoy it, and if the opportunity comes especially when we go 6-2 on the bench and you have to be able to play across the back line and be comfortable there.

“Whenever I play, I am happy to get on and try and contribute. With Matt Gallagher no longer here, there might be more opportunities at full-back, I don’t know. That would be something I am ready for if that is the case.”

Many Bath fans feared last season would be derailed by Russell’s injury blow, but Bailey stepped up and drove the team to a precious 26-14 victory against Exeter at Sandy Park in his first Premiership start of the 2023/24 campaign.