Bath flanker Francois Louw has suggested that his teammates will be able to regroup after a tough start to the season.

Last season's Aviva Premiership finalists are currently languishing in ninth and were beaten at home by Northampton Saints on Saturday.

However, Louw has backed Bath's squad to deliver better results over the coming months.

He told the Bath Chronicle: "The guys are really close and ultimately that's what holds you together during trying times. It's very easy to be strong and in command when things are going well, but it's when times are tough that a person's true character is shown.

"We will be tested over these next few weeks, especially finding ourselves in the position we are in the Premiership. We're not close to where we want to be. Compared to last season, we haven't got half the results that we need to get, but the Premiership is a long season.

"I can't fault the guys. They put in the work. We train smart every week, we put in the effort. I think our game plan is the right game plan. It's the little details we need to tighten up on and, most importantly, we need to be consistent."

Louw captained Bath against Saints, due to the absence of Stuart Hooper.