FIRST-TEAM coach Neal Hatley does not think Bath Rugby’s barren spell will matter one iota come derby day this evening.

Bath are currently on a five-match losing run, having failed to taste victory during a tough run of fixtures in January.

However, there is no danger of depleted spirits within the camp as Bath face the small matter of West County rivals Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership next (7.45pm).

In fact, claiming the prized scalps of their Cherry and White counterparts at The Rec tonight could be exactly what Mike Ford’s men need to re-ignite their season.

Bath have won the last five league meetings of the two sides and Hatley says they have no desire to relinquish that record.

“Everything outside of the game is irrelevant, it’s a derby and we want to win and that’s all that matters,” said forwards coach Hatley.

“You don’t need any extra motivation for this game. Where we are in the league or where they are or how we’ve been playing is all irrelevant.

“The West County derby is a special occasion and it’s one of the reasons I came to the club, and I know that’s the same for some of the players who have come here recently too. It’s a huge game to be involved in.

“What’s happened in the past is irrelevant. We hadn’t won there in about eight or nine years when we went there and won three years ago so we know that form goes out of the window and anything can happen in a derby game.”

Bath will ring the changes this evening as the Six Nations gets under way this weekend, with as many as nine players set to be away on duty for either England, Wales or Scotland.

Meanwhile, hooker Rob Webber will play his last home West County derby following the announcement that he is to join Premiership rivals Sale Sharks for next season.

The 29-year-old signed from Wasps in 2012 and has become a pivotal figure within the Bath pack, with a replacement now likely to be sought before the summer.

Hatley added: “Rob has been absolutely brilliant for us so it was a very tough decision. He is an England international, a quality player and a good leader in the side.

“It’s been a tough call for both parties but I know what we will get from Webs for the rest of the season. He’ll give us everything from now until he leaves.

“We’ve spoken about it as a coaching group and recruitment is always ongoing, so I’m sure it’s something we will look at.”