Former Ebbw Vale fly-half Josh Lewis has been handed a chance to make his mark for Bath on the European stage on Saturday.

Lewis, who switched from Eugene Cross Park in the summer, will make his first start for the English club in their home European Champions Cup tie against Benetton Rugby.

His selection represents a big statement of backing for the 25-year-old, although the door to his selection has been opened by an injury for fellow Welshman Rhys Priestland and the unavailability through suspension of Freddie Burns.

Lewis – who had a brief spell with the Scarlets – was a guiding influence for the Steelmen in the Principality Premiership last season and in 2015-16 when they won the title.

He was picked up by Bath at the start of the summer and he will be one of four Welsh players in the home side, along with Taulupe Faletau, Luke Charteris, and Aled Brew. A fifth Welsh player, prop Scott Andrews, is on the Bath bench.

Lewis came on as a replacement during Bath’s 29-13 Aviva Premiership win over Worcester Warriors last weekend.