Amlin Challenge Cup: Nick Abendanon 'loved' time at Bath

Full-back Nick Abendanon says he has "loved" his time at Bath as he prepares for his final appearance for the club.

The 27-year-old will end a nine-year stay at The Rec by joining Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne this summer.

His last game for the West Country side will come against Northampton in the Amlin Challenge Cup final on Friday.

"I've seen a lot of players come and go and it's meant a huge amount to be here a decade. I've loved it - it's been a great ride," he told BBC Points West.

Abendanon, who won two England caps in 2007, has made 206 appearances for Bath since coming through their academy.

He was part of the side that won the club's last piece of silverware when they lifted the Challenge Cup in 2008.

Captain Stuart Hooper and Matt Banahan are the only other players from that team that remain on the books.

"It feels very different for this final given the fact there's only Hoops, Bannars and me left," Abendanon explained.

"A lot of credit has to go to the club and staff for the recruitment they've done since then."

Should Bath fail to beat the Saints on Friday it will cap a season of near misses for the squad.

In March, they and earlier this month missed out on a Premiership play-off place courtesy of a final-day defeat by Harlequins.

"All the word work everyone's put in has really shown this year," Abendanon added.

"It was so disappointing to just fall short at Quins and we're all extremely up for the Northampton game to make sure that doesn't happen again."