FRANCOIS Louw is backing Bath’s experienced players to assist their younger teammates in the search to bring silverware to The Rec.

The emergence of fellow back rower Zach Mercer has been one of shining lights for Bath so far this season, and experienced flanker Louw believes that part of the progression of the club’s young stars have been down the positive influence from the likes of Taulupe Faletau and David Denton.

“I think besides the fact they are world-class players, who obviously represent their country and play a lot of Test rugby, they’re great athletes,” said Louw, 31.

“They bring a lot of leadership to the team as well. The guys see that and they feel comfortable with that experience around them and those guys will put their hands up at the right time and take it from the front.

“That makes a huge difference. It’s not always just about having the best players on the pitch, the top players, but to have leadership and experience like that, especially when times get tough, that makes a big difference.”

Louw was speaking at the launch of this year’s Aviva #DriveSafer campaign alongside teammates Matt Banahan and Guy Mercer.

As part of the campaign, Aviva and all 12 Premiership Rugby clubs are highlighting the dangers of dangerous driving caused by distractions, with a particular focus on the use of mobile phones.

“Every time you check your phone while driving you take a massive chance and run all kinds of risks,” added Louw.

“Aviva are helping to stamp that out and as a sporting role models at Bath it is important to set an example to those who look up to us.”

After European competition and Anglo-Welsh Cup action Bath returned to Aviva Premiership Rugby action with the side in fourth position, and Louw credits that achievement, in no small part, to the contribution of the club’s lesser-heralded young players.

“We had quite an interesting start to the season, a lot of guys injured, I was away myself as well so that’s given a lot of young guys who perhaps wouldn’t have had the opportunity to play some time and that’s gone really well,” added the South Africa international.

“They really got our season going, especially at a time like this now when you’ve got these players missing for RBS 6 Nations, these guys have to step up, step into their roles and make a difference.

“We need to blood those players effectively, enough to step into those positions now so as a side I’m confident with the depth and the experience we have, it’s just to come down to execution on the day.”

Bath Rugby are proud to support Aviva, title sponsor of Premiership Rugby, on their #DriveSafer campaign and help raise awareness of dangerous driving. Download the Aviva Drive app to see how safe your driving is at www.aviva.co.uk/car-insurance/drive