Eastmond’s focus only on club

KYLE Eastmond is concentrating on performing for Bath in the Aviva Premiership.
Rugby Union: KYLE Eastmond says neither England nor Sam Burgess feature in his thoughts after he helped to inspire Bath's record–breaking 45–0 Aviva Premiership romp against Leicester.

With England's opening autumn Test against world champions New Zealand just seven weeks away and Burgess preparing to arrive at Bath next month from South Sydney Rabbitohs, Oldham-born Eastmond could easily find himself distracted.

But the incumbent England inside centre, who may soon find Burgess challenging him for a club midfield place, says he is concentrated solely on performing in Bath colours.

“England is something I don’t think about, to be honest,” said the former Oldham St Anne’s rugby league junior.

“I just go out there and try to do my best for my team. I don’t think about anything else, but playing well for Bath. That’s the key.

“I will always play my best. I don’t think about Sam Burgess, I don’t think about anyone. I think about playing the best I can for my team–mates, and that's it.”

Bath will now be viewed as major contenders for a possible first Premiership title.

“That title is something we don’t think about or talk about,” Eastmond said. “It is just game by game, training session by training session. That’s the way we work.”