A TRIP to New Zealand with the British & Irish Lions may be in wait for Taulupe Faletau next summer but he says his first priority is securing a spot in the Bath side following his move to The Rec.

Although that tour to take on the All Blacks is still more than 12 months away, it would be a big surprise if the 61-cap Wales number eight was not named amongst the Lions squad again, having also been included in the successful party to Australia three years ago.

Before that, though, a new challenge awaits Faletau in the shape of the Aviva Premiership after the 25-year-old made the short trip east along the M4 from Newport Gwent Dragons to Bath for the 2016/17 season.

And with a battle for a spot in a Bath back-row laden with international class to contend with, Faletau is not even contemplating looking too far ahead.

“The first thing is Bath and trying to get a spot in the starting XV here and that’s a challenge in itself,” said Faletau.

“Hopefully I can do that and if that happens then you can start thinking about other things but until then I have just got to put my head down here first.

“Coming to Bath and the Premiership is a learning curve and to train alongside Dave Denton and the rest of the back-rows here is great. To challenge yourself is only going to improve your game.

“With the experiences Francois Louw has got and the way he plays the game, he is definitely someone who can be learned from.”

Faletau was brought to Bath by former head coach Mike Ford but he has since left the club and New Zealander Todd Blackadder has taken over as director of rugby.

With the whole Bath squad having a new impress a new coach, it puts the summer signings like Faletau on a level playing field when it comes to selection.

“The squad here is strong and there’s good strength in depth here,” said Faletau.

“Everybody has got a fresh start and it’s a clean slate so you just go from there.

“The new coaches are different to what I have worked with before, they are quite hands-on and they are quite fun as well, which is good. It’s always nice when you are enjoying it out on the training park.

“I’ve settled in well. The boys have been great, really welcoming and I’ve settled in nicely. They have got quite a set-up here, it’s a bit different to what I am used to. I am really enjoying it.”