BATH coach Mike Ford admits the emergence of Fijian ace Semesa Rokoduguni as a force in the Aviva Premiership is an exciting one for his club.

Wing Rokoduguni starts his fifth match of the season tomorow night as Bath travel to Sale Sharks (7.45pm) after a meteoric rise since joining the club initially on a trial basis before signing a full-time contract last season.

A reconnaissance tank soldier of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in the British Army, Rokoduguni came to the attention of Ford and now-Bath director of rugby Gary Gold when they took former club Newcastle on warm-weather break during the 2011-12 season which ended in relegation for the Falcons.

Ford revealed: "We had an invitation to play the Army and he scored three tries against us so when we came to Bath we got him down. They had him up at Newcastle too so he had a choice to make and we got him. It’s a good story.''

He added: "It’s really exciting, the way he’s come on in leaps and bounds.

"He’s got a long way to go and we’re sitting him down and talking about how he prepares in the week. Does he set any goals, how does he review his game and how does he get better from when he’s away from the club point of view?

"He’s quite naive really so the potential he’s got is huge. He’s raw talent. He’s like granite - that’s why tackles fall off him.

Rokoduguni scored in the defeat by Saracens two weeks ago and Ford added: "We’re really excited about him, he’s so hungry to learn that’s why he’s got great potential.''

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