THE future of Bath's contingent of Welsh players has come under even more scrutiny after another bitter broadside towards the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) from Rec co-coach Brian Smith.

The Australian's frustration boiled over again this week as Wales' coach Steve Hansen blocked Bath duo Gavin Thomas and Gareth Cooper from playing in tomorrow's crucial Zurich Premiership clash with Northampton.

As he has throughout the season, Hansen has invoked an International Rugby Board (IRB) ruling allowing him to stop players playing a week before a Test in this case the Six Nations clash with Ireland next Saturday.

But an angry Smith has blasted the WRU's attitude towards English clubs with Welsh players.

He is also furious at the WRU's clandestine attempts to lure their players back to Wales and has warned the furore is forcing Bath to reconsider their use of Welsh players.

"It's ludicrous and typical of the stand the union is taking,'' said a seething Smith.

"They have made it abundantly clear that they have absolutely no inclination in helping Premiership clubs.''

He added: "They are trying to get their own house in order and I understand that.

"But these guys earn a living playing for us and at the moment we are not compensated while they drag our players out.

"The Welsh Rugby Union are dragging out loopholes in the IRB laws and Steve Hansen is at the forefront of it. We've been having an ongoing battle for some time and they don't even return our calls now.''

Smith added: "It's very disappointing because Bath is a club that has always had strong ties with Welsh rugby.

"The word on the street is that they are putting pressure on our Welsh players to go home and that's disappointing.

"We have to wake up and smell the coffee. The Welsh Rugby Union is interested in their own doorstep only and it's time we took a similar approach.

"We're very mindful of it and will need to bear it in mind when we are rebuilding.''

Mike Catt has recovered from his latest hamstring problem and will line up at inside centre with Australian Chris Malone retaining the fly-half jersey and Ireland's Kevin Maggs moving onto the left wing.

Bath's medical staff will make a decision on hooker Jonathan Humphreys today, but wing Simon Danielli misses out with a shoulder problem so Samoan Elvis Seveali'i is ready for his first start after his try-scoring substitute appearance against Saracens two weeks ago.

Seveali'i has also been registered as an additional player for the Parker Pen Challenge Cup semi-final against Saracens next month.