BATH head coach Mike Ford claims that his squad have become more tightly-knit under the cloud cast by the Sam Burgess affair.

Ford’s club have been placed under the national spotlight as a result of Burgess’ high-profile U-turn back to rugby league but the Bath chief is keen to put the 26-year-old’s controversial departure from the Rec in the past and get back to concentrating on on-pitch matters.

Ironically, Bath have moved to soothe the blow of Burgess’ transfer back to the South Sydney Rabbitohs with a statement signing, this week announcing the capture of Scotland back-rower David Denton from Edinburgh on a two-and-a-half year deal.

Denton last featured for his country in their contentious World Cup exit at the hands of Australia last month and Ford says that the 25-year-old is eligible to play in Sunday’s European Champions Cup trip to Toulon but stopped short of confirming that Denton would be involved against the reigning champions.

“I think what it’s done is brought us all closer together,” Ford told the Wiltshire Times.

“The reality is that in rugby, people are always going to be talking about what’s coming next and the next game and players have to concentrate on their job.

“Sometimes adversity can bring you closer together and Denton coming in has added to that. We’ve gone out and scored six tries against London Irish last weekend.

“Even before Sam left, we were looking for a back-rower and we weren’t able to get Toby (Taulupe) Faletau.

“It takes time to do your research and your due diligence when you go out and identify a player but Denton is a good player – he can play six or eight and he’s good at carrying the football.

“He’s registered for Europe, which means that he could play this weekend. I’m not saying that he’s going to play against Toulon but he is registered.”