LEROY Houston hopes to make the most of his farewell tour at Bath after returning to the club on a short-term basis this week.

Australian number eight Houston made a shock departure from Bath in May after being given the chance to kick-start his international career by re-joining Super Rugby side Queensland Reds in his homeland.

Bath have been hit by a number of injuries to their back-row contingent in the early weeks of the new season and have struck a deal with the Reds to bring Houston back to The Rec on loan until the end of October.

The suddenness of his initial departure prevented the popular Houston from saying a proper goodbye to the Bath supporters and he is keen to make the most of this unexpected second chance.

Houston only arrived back in the country on Monday but if selected, he will make his Bath comeback in front the home fans at The Rec in Saturday’s Aviva Premiership clash against Worcester Warriors.

“It’s a bit unexpected but I’m very happy to be back here. The last couple of days have been hectic but now it’s all sorted and I’m here I’m excited to get back going again,” said Houston.

“Things have changed here over the summer and there’s a bit of a different vibe now and I think the mental side of rugby is a bit different with the new coaches.

“The boys are a bit more relaxed now but because I know all the guys so well anyway, it’s been pretty easy to come back in.

“This time there is a chance to say thank-you to the supporters and give something back to the boys and to the club. The way the situation unfolded before, I didn’t really get the chance to say a proper goodbye.

“The fans are huge for me. They are lovely people and they got right behind straight away when I first arrived. It’s very fitting that hopefully I can have my first game back at The Rec just a few days after I have got back.”

Houston’s arrival offsets the knee injury suffered by Taulupe Faletau, with the Wales number eight a doubt for their internationals this autumn, while Scotland back-row David Denton is likely to be out until the new year after undergoing surgery on a hamstring problem.