Wednesday 21 January 2015 14:50, UK
Bath coach Mike Ford was a proud man after six of his young squad were selected for England's Six Nations training squad.
Four of Bath's thrilling young backline - Ford's son George, Kyle Eastmond, Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson - joined forwards David Wilson and Dave Attwood in Stuart Lancaster's 34-man senior squad, while cross-code star Sam Burgess made the Saxons squad.
Ford told Sky Sports News HQ: "I want the players to do really well and get the recognition they deserve. The good thing is after they've played with England is they'll probably come back better players so I think it's good for the club.
"George got his first two starts against Samoa and Australia. The fact that he had control of training that week and was the king of the way they're going to play and then delivered on the Saturday twice in a row was a great learning curve for him.
George got his first two starts against Samoa and Australia. The fact that he had control of training that week and was the king of the way they're going to play and then delivered on the Saturday twice in a row was a great learning curve for him.
"He's a confident lad anyway and he's carried on his form for us through December and January and he takes some good form into the England camp.
"Before Sunday's game against Toulouse, I thought Jonathan was close to getting into the squad and he's done that now. He must be close to selection for the Wales game and there's still one more European game to go so Stuart and the coaches will have a good think.
"Jonathan, for his part, has played well all year. The try he scored at the weekend and the try he set up was world class and obviously the England coach has recognised that. He must be close to selection against Wales.
"Sam has progressed fantastically well. He's still only played about two minutes of rugby union but he's started three games and against Gloucester he was outstanding. We took a few risks with him but he's a quality player and he's picking things up quickly.
"He didn't look out of place at Leicester and the week after he kicked on. You saw the real Sam Burgess against Wasps - making breaks, making tries and smashing a few people. He deserves his place with the Saxons.
"I think England will play him at 12. This year, we've decided to keep him at 12 for the time being. For the next period of matches, I'm sure England will look at him as a 12."
Bath cemented their status as a rising power in European rugby with a stunning 35-18 Champions Cup victory over Toulouse on Sunday.
George Ford was thrilled to have kept his place in the squad, telling Sky Sports News HQ: "It's going to be a challenge going into the training with the squad that's been picked. There's another weekend of European rugby again and that's massively important for us to play well.
"They're all brilliant players and it's great to be in camp with them. I'm sure we'll learn from each other's games and the competition for places makes you want to get better and want to get the best out of yourself.
"I'm lucky at this club because we've got licence to play. It's massively exciting and to score some of the tries we're scoring at the minute is brilliant to be part of."
Joseph added: "I think we're in a good place. It's great to play alongside some of the players at this club and we've got to keep our heads down and keep working hard.
"I feel I've got better. I feel I've gelled well with the back line here. It suits my style of play and it's great to play with Kyle and George."
