Borthwick: It's not about me

Bath bruiser determined to bow out on a high

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 25th April 2008

Steve Borthwick is after a third time lucky medal

Borthwick: Hoping to leave Bath on a high

England and Bath lock Steve Borthwick insists he is relishing the prospect of signing off his career in the west country with European Challenge Cup success.

Borthwick is set to join Guinness Premiership rivals Saracens in the summer and the 28-year-old revealed he would love nothing more than to leave the club knowing he had helped add more silverware to Bath's already glistening trophy cabinet.

Victory for Bath over Sale Sharks in Challenge Cup semi-final would set up a final showdown with either Worcester or Newcastle, and Borthwick admits he and has team-mates have a fantastic opportunity to avenge last season's final heartache against Clermont Auvergne.

"I would love Bath to win the tournament and for me to be able to leave them with some silverware," said Borthwick.

Huge effort

"I played in Bath's two previous (Challenge Cup) finals, but this is not about me, it is about the group to whom I have an extremely strong attachment.

"This group has been together for several years and worked very hard in overcoming many challenges. Winning trophies would be nothing more than just reward for their huge efforts.

"But we know that we have a big challenge in front of us on Saturday - in fact, it is a formidable challenge.

"Sale attack you with the ball in hand and challenge you defensively all across the pitch.

"Now we are at the business end of the season, when titles are won or lost, we know Sale will also be really up for the semi-final."