Bath flanker Julian Salvi has captained Australia at Under-21 level

Bath head coach Steve Meehan has played down suggestions that Lewis Moody's arrival at The Rec will mean the exit of Australian flanker Julian Salvi.

The 24-year-old has been one of Bath's key players this season, having started every Premiership and European game.

And Meehan told BBC Radio Bristol: "We're aware there are various things pulling Julian in various directions. He's a sought-after player.

"But there's still an opportunity for Julian at Bath. Nothing changes there.

Reports in the Australian press suggest that Super 14 side ACT Brumbies, from whom Salvi joined Bath in June last year, have made him an offer to return.

But the former Australia Under-21 captain has an option to extend his initial Bath deal for a further year.

"He's got to sort out his ambitions, short-term and long-term, and make his decisions," said Meehan.

"He's newly married and, as a result, has a number of things to take into consideration."

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