HEAD coach Mike Ford says Bath Rugby believe they can do the impossible and still reach the knockout stages of the European Champions Cup.

Bath looked all but out of the competition after losing their opening two Pool 4 games away at Glasgow Warriors and at home to Toulouse back in October.

However, a twin win over Montpellier in December pulled them back into contention and they still have a chance of progressing beyond the group stages ahead of the final two games.

Their fate all hinges on Sunday’s trip to French giants Toulouse and Ford is adamant Bath will not give up without a fight.

Ford said: “We don’t think it’s ever been done before, a team losing the first two games and still qualifying.

“With four games to go it was a mammoth task but all of a sudden we got nine points against Montpellier and now it’s only two games left.

“I don’t think it’s the biggest game of the season, its’ just the next game.

“We don’t prepare any harder for it but we do understand the importance of it because if we lose we are out.”

Meanwhile, England international centre Jonathan Joseph has put pen to paper on a new contract at The Rec.

“JJ is an incredibly talented young player who is on the brink of breaking into the England squad, and deservedly so,” added Ford, whose side were 39-26 winners over Wasps in the Aviva Premiership last weekend.

“He has been on fantastic form for us, providing a real threat in our back-line and his defence is international class too. He’s matured as a player over the last year or so, and we're delighted he’s staying with us.”