Big night for Bath Rugby in European Challenge Cup

It's a hugely important night for Bath Rugby Club and its supporters. They're contesting the European Challenge Cup final in Cardiff this evening against another English side, Northampton. Our Sports Correspondent Matthias Kurth reports as excitement builds before kick off.

Bath enter the final match of a long season battered and bruised but determined to give it one final push.

The domestic Premiership campaign ended in disappointment two weeks ago when a 3 point defeat on the last day at Harlequins denied them a play-off spot.

But now in a European final and Head Coach Mike Ford says they're eager to finish with something to show for their efforts.

6 years ago the club lifted it's last trophy. The same Challenge Cup final they're playing for again this evening.

Most of that team have retired or moved on but a handful remain.

Danny Grewcock is now Bath's Academy Director and optimistic about the new generation.

Nick Abendanon scored a try in the 2008 final. Tonight's showpiece will be his curtain call for the club after more than 200 appearances.

Opponents Northampton will be no pushovers.

Their last meeting with Bath at the Rec earlier this month ended in thrilling draw.

The Saints are also through to the Premiership final and in March they lost another final, the LV Cup to Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.

Head Coach Mike Ford says the side just needs to be relaxed but that, of course, in a final, is easier said than done.