The 28-year old second row is in his second stint with the Bears after playing for the club for 30 months from 2017. He rejoined five years later after stints with Leicester and Worcester and has established himself as one of the mainstays of the side.
He has started all except one of the Bears’ last 26 Premiership matches, the blow-out against Newcastle at Ashton Gate last April when he was rested, and has started the season in rampaging form with Bristol topping the table after four rounds.
“We were very disappointed after losing at home to Gloucester, but bounced back against Bath and Exeter,” said Batley. “To get to where we want to be in June, we have to put in the hard work now. There is no easy game in this league and you have to always be on it.”
Bristol are unbeaten away from home in the Premiership in 2024 with Sale, Leicester, Harlequins and Bath among their victims.
Denne historien er fra October 20, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra October 20, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Daley-McLean backs Harrison
KATY Daley-McLean is backing Zoe Harrison over Holly Aitchison in John Mitchell’s fly-half conundrum due to the Saracens 10’s formidable goal kicking, which she feels will give England an edge during tight knockout matches in next year’s World Cup.
Diamond still has faith as Falcons battle on
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Batley sets sights on reaching top
JOE Batley has two remaining targets in a career that started at Gloucester 10 years ago – help Bristol win the Premiership for the first time and gain international recognition.
Confused path to rules of combat
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Life with Welsh was such a roller coaster
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Watts wins it for Leeds with last-gasp goal kick
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At last! Falcons end record losing streak
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YOUNG GUNS
Max Clein is enjoying learning from his childhood hero Sean Cronin at Munster and hopes to emulate the Ireland legend’s career.
Saracens go top in last-minute drama
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All Blacks will have to be at their best
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