HE MAY have been born closer to Table Mountain than the River Avon but the significance of Saturday’s West County derby is not lost on Bath Rugby flanker Francois Louw.

South African international Louw is well versed in the long-standing battle between Bath and local rivals Gloucester as his fifth season in Blue, Black and White enters its final stages.

With Bath desperately looking for a strong finish to the campaign as they try to claw into the Aviva Premiership’s top six, victory at the Cherry and Whites’ Kingsholm home would put more than just a spring in their step.

“It’s a massive game for us in terms of our history and heritage at the club in the West Country,” said Louw.

“It’s a very exciting game and I know the guys really do take it quite personally.

“They got one over on us last time and we’ll be going into the game remembering that and trying to make amends.

“In the bigger picture, it’s another Premiership game and we need to get points, but from a personal perspective, it’s a huge game for us, for the fans, for the city, for the club and the team itself.

“It’s exciting, it’s a great game to be involved in. I’ve played in quite a few now and it’s something I really look forward to.”

Bath go into the game on the back of a hard-fought 21-19 win at home to Newcastle Falcons last Friday.

Louw and prop Henry Thomas were both shown yellow cards in that game and the Springbok flanker knows Bath must keep their composure on derby day.

“It doesn’t help when you are trying to win a rugby match with 14, let along 13 men on the field,” said Louw.

“It’s something we will speak about and something we will address but all the guys are aware of the consequences of ill-discipline.

“Cards aside, penalties can get a team back in the game so we will be on best behaviour to make sure we execute at Kingsholm.”

Meanwhile, prop Kane Palma-Newport has put pen to paper on a new deal at Bath, while the club are also investigating the possibilty of hosting a home Premiership fixture at Twickenham next season.