BATH new boy Paul Grant is hoping his first start in black and blue does not bode as a bad omen for his new career at The Rec.

The 28-year-old New Zealander made his debut in Bath’s 44-21 defeat to Scarlets in the Anglo-Welsh Cup last Friday.

However, Grant, who joined from New Zealand provincial outfit Otago in September until the end of the season, is keen to put that game behind him and take his chances moving forward.

“It wasn’t particularly great,” he said. “There are a few things we can work on but we had a good first half and there is always learning you can take out of a game like that.

“I’m just trying to take my chances when they come along and work hard at training to learn the calls so I know where I have got to be and what I have got to be doing.

“I’m not getting too far ahead of myself. I know there are some quality back rowers here and when I get my chance, I have got to be ready.”

The number eight, who played for Nottingham for two seasons between 2014 and 2016, has settled back into his English surroundings well.

He says that has been helped by the openness of his teammates and he is keen to prove himself in the number eight jersey.

“Things are going really well so far,”

“I’m enjoying it and I’m just trying to fit in with what the team have got going so far this season and it is all different surroundings around the facilities as well.

“The boys are making it easy to come in amongst the team and make the transition easy for me.

“It was a good opportunity to come here and join a good club and show what I have got.”

Bath return to action this evening in the Premiership against local rivals Bristol and with a number of players missing on international duty, Grant is aware that they must be ready to go if they are to avoid an upset.

“I am sure there will be a great atmosphere down at The Rec on Friday night,” he said.

“It’s a big local derby and we know they are a dangerous team with what has been going on at their club so we are expecting the unexpected from them and be ready for anything.

“This week, we have focused on ourselves and we’re getting ourselves ready as best we can.”