Joe Maddock was a key off-field figure last season (Getty)

Bath head coach Steve Meehan believes his senior players can act as mentors to the club's promising youngsters.

Eight Bath Academy players will take part in the pre-season schedule.

And Meehan feels Joe Maddock, Michael Lipman and Danny Grewcock will be key figures following the departure of Steve Borthwick and Olly Barkley.

Meehan said: "These players can really benefit the youngsters. Joe Maddock gave Matt Banahan and Nick Abendanon invaluable advice last season."

Meehan added: "We have quality young players like Nathan Catt, Billy Moss, Jamie Currie and Guy Mercer."

"I am sure the young players can develop into proper Bath players, which is exciting and terrific for the club."