Bath have secured the services of Nathan Hughes on a two-month loan agreement with the England international's days at Bristol Bears appearing increasingly numbered.
Hughes has made four Premiership appearances for the Bears this season and has found himself on the periphery of the squad, so much so he played for Hartpury on Saturday in their 31-31 Championship draw with London Scottish.
Now Bath have stepped in to take the 30-year-old, who was a marquee signing for the Bears in 2019, to provide injury cover for Taulupe Faletau and Jaco Coetzee plus Josh Bayliss during his time with Scotland at the Six Nations.
Bears director of rugby Pat Lam insists that the door remains open for Hughes, with Bristol holding a recall clause in the event of any injuries of their own in the back row, and that his attitude has been "outstanding". He will not be eligible to face the Bears in the derby fixture at the Rec on March 5.
"It's important for Nate to get some regular quality game-time at this stage of the season to enable to get back to his best rugby. This is a great opportunity for him and one that suits all parties with our neighbours short of back row options at present," Lam said.
"Although Nathan has missed out selection in recent weeks, his attitude and commitment around the environment has been outstanding and he's played a part in ensuring the team continues to grow and improve on and off the field.
"I will stay in close dialogue with him over the loan period as he could still play an important part in our season."
With Hughes' contract expiring in the summer, this does present him with a strong opportunity to place himself back in the shop window after what has proven something of a lost season.
London Irish are believed to be one club interested in signing the Fijian born back-rower as Albert Tuisue is joining Gloucester for the 2022/23 campaign.
Bath's lack of options at number eight means Hughes should be pushing for a starting berth and he could make his debut at home to Harlequins this Friday.
"We are delighted to secure Nathan's services - he is a destructive ball carrier and provides critical cover throughout the international window," said Bath head coach Neil Hatley.
"I have been fortunate enough to work with him at international level. His experience and attributes, both as a person and a player, mean we are all looking forward to seeing him perform and making an impact for the Blue, Black and Whites."
