Coach Brad Davis backs Eastmond to shine at Bath

Eastmond left rugby league side St Helens to join Bath on a three-year deal

Coach Brad Davis is expecting Kyle Eastmond to shine at Bath, despite his lack of games since switching codes.

Eastmond, 22, left St Helens in 2011 to join the Premiership club, but has made just one appearance so far - in the win over London Irish.

It is thought the utility back has been troubled with several injuries since his arrival at the Rec.

"He's a talented rugby player and I'm expecting big things from him," Davis told BBC Radio Bristol.

Eastmond received four England caps during his rugby league career and became a key part of the St Helens line-up, scoring 433 points in 74 games.

"He hasn't had a huge amount of game time and his best learning will be done out on the field, in the thick of the action," said Davis.

"When the ball is in general play, whether it's in rugby union or rugby league, the talent of the player shines through.

"He's got good guys around him out on the field, that can nudge him in the right place."

Davis continued: "He's available but it's doubtful whether he'll play any part this week [against Glasgow in the Henieken Cup] but, touchwood, if he can stay right over the next few weeks, he will get some game time."

Meanwhile, the former Castleford Tigers coach revealed that Bath are hoping to offer new deals to several youngsters.

Academy players Tom Heathcote, Kane Palma-Newport, Chris Cook and Ben Williams are all out of contract at the end of the season.

"We want them to stay at Bath, there's no doubt about it," added Davis. "They're a talented group of players and they are in the right environment to get exposure to a lot of game time.

"Tom is very calm and keeps his composure. With Stephen [Donald] he's got the ideal mentor who he can see out on the field. He's a talented young player and he's going to be a big player for Bath."