I just love playing in this team, says Tom

BATH'S in-form fullback Tom de Glanville says last season taught him a valuable lesson not to take anything for granted.

- JON NEWCOMBE

The 25-year-old Bathonian was in and out of the team as he competed with Matt Gallagher for the No.15 jersey before being sidelined with a foot injury, which ruled him out from March onwards.

De Glanville sat out the Premiership final defeat to Northampton but has put that disappointment behind him to play a key role in Bath's surge to the top of the Premiership table.

"Last year was probably something that taught me not to take opportunities for granted, which is what I did sometimes when I was younger," said the Bath academy graduate.

"After last year, and seeing how hard you have to work for your opportunity, every time I play now I appreciate it, and every week I am not available, I am gutted."

Always assured under the high ball and with a good sense of positional play, de Glanville's defensive qualities have rarely been questioned. But he has come on leaps and bounds as an attacking threat this season.