Scotland centre Cam Redpath closing in on return to pitch

Bath have revealed that Scotland centre Cam Redpath is 'back running' in training and is nearing the end of his rehab from a brutal knee injury.

Redpath ruptured a knee ligament in Bath’s Gallagher Premiership defeat by Sale way back at the end of last season.

The utility back who made his debut for Scotland this year in the Guinness Six Nations sustained the damage to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the closing moments of the May 14 showdown at the Recreation Ground and underwent surgery shortly after.

A recovery period of six to nine months was given at the time and it looks like that prognosis is proving accurate, with the 22-year-old running in training.

"Cam is up and he's running and involved in training which," said Bath Director of Rugby, Stuart Hooper during an injury update today. "Tian [Schoeman] aswell has been doing some running, so we are just keeping an eye on him and Ethan Stadden, who injured himself at England 20s.

"Cam is right at the front of those three and probably getting back fit. They're all in the latter stages of that rehab."

Backrow Jaco Coetzee has had surgery on an ankle and is expected back in February. Elsewhere, there was less cheerful news about Wales No.8 Taulupe Faletau, who is still struggling to regain his fitness.

"Toby [Taulupe Faletau] had a few complications on the ankle injury that he had when he came back from the Lions. He's very frustrated not to be getting back on the field. It's not just one injury, he has a few little niggles trying to get back. He's working hard and the medics are working hard on getting him back."

England centre Jonathan Joseph is back in the full training and 'available for selection' said Hooper. It is some relief for Bath, who are one stage in November had close to 50 per cent of their playing squad unavailable due to injuries or international duty.

Bath are yet to win a game this season and are rooted to the bottom of the Premiership table. They have drafted in a new defence coach in Brent Janse van Rensburg.