CARL Fearns is relieved his spell as a frustrated spectator is at an end, but admits he faces a battle to retain a starting spot in Bath’s team.

The 24 year old back row marked his return from injury by appearing as a substitute in the 12-11 Aviva Premiership defeat to former club Sale last Friday.

Fearns had been out of action since tweaking a nerve in his back during the warm-up prior to February’s Premiership victory over Newcastle, a problem initially expected to be resolved in a matter of weeks eventually stretching to almost two months.

The Liverpool-born player said: “Just to get back involved with the boys and the whole environment was a good feeling.

“I’m definitely a bad watcher because it was frustrating. You feel you can add something to the team and you just want to get out there and help the boys.

“Getting injured in the warm-up (before the Newcastle game) is annoying. It wasn’t one of those injuries you could put your finger on. It was a nerve issue and it was just a case of building up strength in my back.’’

Bath’s back row, which has now lost Francois Louw for a few weeks, has proved a formidable unit this season, whichever combination has been played and Fearns added: “I’ve got to work hard to get back in the team because all the back row have been pushing each other to get in the team.

“I should be fresh enough and hopefully that will benefit me.’’

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