Sam Vesty tells skysports why his ability to play in a number of positions is a real strength.
For some, being classed as a "utility" player can be a millstone around the neck - the jack of all trades but master of none.
However for the versatile Bath utility back Sam Vesty he believes his ability to play in a number of positions is a real strength.
The 29-year-old, who is in his second season at the Rec after moving from Leicester Tigers, has been able to comfortably slot in at fly-half, full-back or in the centres.
His two England caps came off the bench at inside centre, while he has kicked off the 2011/12 season in the No.10 jersey.
However with intense competition at Bath this season - with the likes of Stephen Donald, Olly Barkley, Nick Abendanon, Dan Hipkiss and Jack Cuthbert all vying for starts - Vesty is happy to be able to play wherever needed.
Strength
"I really enjoy playing at 10, 12 and full-back," Vesty told
skysports.com
"I don't mind where I am on the field, I am happy to play wherever I need to be.
"I am a utility player and I do think that is a real strength. I enjoy playing in different positions and getting a different perspective of the game.
"I honestly think I would get a bit bored if I stuck to one position!"
Vesty, along with England captain Lewis Moody, were among the two major signings at Bath in 2010 - and the club have added more quality signings this season.
Donald, Hipkiss, Dave Attwood, Ryan Caldwell, Francois Louw and Kyle Eastmond are among the summer arrivals.
However with a few of them - along with the club's international absentees -yet to arrive, Vesty insists it is up to the players currently at Bath to make those coming work hard for places in the side.
"It is undoubtedly the best thing for the squad to have strong competition throughout," said Vesty. "That means people are working harder for their place and that leads to success.
"Every team that wants to win a title needs that competition. It is a long season and you need to manage your squad well so players are as fresh as possible.
Silverware
"We are obviously missing a few quality individuals at the moment but the players here have got the chance to stake their claim.
"We've all got a job to do and we've got to make it as hard as possible for those players either returning or joining the club to get in to the side."
Given the quality now at Bath Vesty, who scored 17 points and set up a try in the 22-9 opening day win over Newcastle, believes the club can help his achieve his target of adding to his collection of medals from his days at Leicester.
"My goal is to win silverware," he said. "You obviously want to play in all the games but that is not always possible as you can get injured at any time, so I just want to win.
"We've got the squad and we've got the work ethic in place and that is paramount.
"If we don't get close to silverware at the end of the season then I would be very disappointed."
