WINNING September’s Aviva Premiership player of the month award was yet more proof of Kyle Eastmond’s impact in rugby union and the ex-St Helens man is backing Sam Burgess to make similar strides when he pulls on Bath colours.

The imminent arrival of Burgess from rugby league is one of the most talked-about in the 15-a-side game and Eastmond, himself capped by England since crossing coades has no doubts about what the 25 year old will be bringing.

“Sam’s juts a world-class player and a really exciting signing,’’ said Eastmond. “I’ve played with Sam (in rugby league) plenty of times and I think after he has had a well-deserved break, people will be excited to see what he can do.

“He’s a different player in a completely different position to me but when he’s ready, he’ll be ready and we’re all looking forward to it.’’

Eastmond’s player award recognised a fine start to the season for both himself and his club, during which he has formed a potent midfield partnership with Jonathan Joseph.

“We really enjoy playing together and JJ is a very good player,’’ he added.

“We’re not the finished article yet but we are going to get better. We’ve been playing and training together as much as we can.’’

Bath have significant back row problems ahead of the start of their European Rugby Champions Cup challenge at Glasgow tomorrow Alafoti Fa’osiliva has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Carl Fearns, Matt Garvey and Francois Louw all remain in the treatment room.

Leroy Houston was also banned for three weeks on Tuesday after being sin-binned an subsequently cited for a dangerous tackle on Wasps’ Joe Simpson on Sunday.

He will miss this weekend’s match, plus the visit of Toulouse next weekend and the LV= Cup clash with London Welsh on November 1.

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